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was made of special posters, leaflets and bookmarks, as well as display advertisements
in the London evening and local newspapers. The campaign, supported by adjacent health
authorities with large numbers of residents working in London, coincided with the period
during which Ministry of Health announcements were made on radio and television.
In view of the varied publicity media used it was decided to record the motivating agency
of a sample of persons presenting themselves for vaccination. The survey covered 2,116
persons, 67 per cent. of whom were in the older age group; the media most frequently
seen were posters and press advertisements. Over 40 per cent. did not admit to having seen
any publicity. A number of this group, however, were apparently influenced by relatives
and friends who may themselves have been influenced by the publicity campaign and no
doubt this large uncommitted category were influenced directly or indirectly by the
day-to-day background work of divisional staffs.
Safety handbook—With the co-operation of other bodies, distribution of a further
edition of a safety handbook was commenced. The handbook is a commercial publication,
distributed free of charge. Material relating to 'safety' is either provided or approved by
the Council.
County Hall display window—The department was allocated the use of two display
periods in the North Block window. The first was used to feature various activities of the
London Ambulance Service, while in the two months preceding the Christmas holidays
the display was based on safety at home, with special emphasis first on 5 November and
then on Christmas festivities.
Special publications—A leaflet 'One out of eleven', drawing attention to the link
between smoking and lung cancer, was produced for the general public, after consultation
with the London Local Medical Committee and medical officers of health of the metropolitan
boroughs. Some 120,000 copies have been distributed; through the good offices
of the London Executive Council copies were sent to each medical practitioner and dentist
in London, copies were also sent to schools, welfare centres and public libraries. The
leaflet excited considerable interest and press references led to a number of requests for
copies from individuals far removed from London.
Early in the year, two fires involving drip-feed radiant oil heaters occurred, in which
children died. A leaflet with a powerful human approach on the dangers of fire arising
from misuse of this type of appliance was prepared and 100,000 copies distributed through
divisions and Old People's Welfare Committees. When publication of the new British
Standards Institution standard and the passing of the Oil Burners (Standards) Act resulted
in more general publicity for these risks, a further leaflet was produced in which the emphasis
was placed on the proper care of these appliances and the improvement of existing models.
The leaflet had the general approval of the Oil Appliance Manufacturers' Association,
some members of which gave assistance in the distribution of the leaflet within the county.
Nearly 300,000 copies were distributed, including a copy sent to all the Council's housing
tenants whether living in or outside the county.
Staff visual aids competition—This annual competition produced 60 entries. In the poster
and display section an entry from a team of health visitors in division 6 was placed first;
in the teaching aids section the first prize was awarded to an entry by a team of health
visitors from division 4. All the entries were on display at County Hall for three days.
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