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During 1959 the Health Committee gave consideration
to Ministry of Housing and Local Government Circular
57/59 which set out the proposed division of responsibility
between the various central departments concerned with the
control of radioactivity. It is clear that the Government are
of the opinion that little active part will be played by the
local authorities in the oversight, in their own areas, of
hazards arising from this source. Nevertheless, it is hardly to
be expected that local authorities will not feel that they
are bound to consider with some anxiety the environmental
hazards which may effect their districts and, notwithstanding
the complexity of the subject, they may well turn to their
medical officers of health to interpret any local developments
in this field. The training of appropriate members of public
health staffs is therefore, a matter of great importance. This
has been recognised by the Veale Committee which reported
in February 1960.
In 1958, the Council decided to implement Section 11 of
the Clean Air Act, 1956 relating to smoke control areas and,
following a pilot survey of the area in question (bounded by
Okehampton Crescent, Lodge Lane, Longleigh Lane and part
of Brampton Road) and the receipt of provisional approval
of the Council's proposals by the Minister of Housing and
Local Government arrangements were made for the detailed
survey of the area which is nearing completion.
The work of the Bexley, Erith and Crayford Home Safety
Committee continued during the year and now that their
funds are augmented by grant from the Local Health Authority
this work will be extended in the near future.
In conclusion, I wish to thank the Chairman and
Members of the Health Committee for their support and
encouragement, and the Chief Public Health Inspector,
Administrative Assistant, and all members of the Health
Department for the good work which has been done during
the year.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LANDON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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