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Deaths from coronary heart diseases numbered 51 (compared with 50, 42 and
35 in the three preceding years). Here again, the majority of these deaths
occurred in the fifth and sixth decades of life, men being far more affected
than women
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 affect
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 (that part of Slade Green north east of the railway line) 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 its completion at the time of writing.
The work of the Bexley, Erith and Crayford Home Safety Committee continued
during the year and now that their funds are being supplemented by a grant
from the Local Health Authority this work will be extended in the 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, Chief Clerk and all members of the Health Department for their
excellent service during the year.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
JOHN LANDON
Medical Officer of Health
4.