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far-reaching consequences is the introduction of a new type of vaccine which
is given by the mouth (oral vaccine). It is evident from extensive trials
carried out in various parts of the world that it is both safe and effective
In the meantime it behoves all parents and all adults within the approved age
limit (at present 40 years) to avail themselves to the fullest extent, both
for their children and for themselves, of the fully-tried procedure at present
in use which is known to be at least 90 per cent effective for those persons
receiving three or more doses
During 1960, there were 15 deaths from cancer of the lung. The annual
figures for the previous nine years were 17, 13, 15, 12, 10, 16, 7, 12 and 7.
The increased incidence and associated mortality are, of course, a national
problem.
It is now ten years since the first publication of evidence in this
country, of the close association between cancer of the lung and heavy cigarette
smoking and there must be few people from the age of 15 years and upwards who
are not aware of the danger, and yet the consumption of cigarettes goes up and
up. The report of the Commissioners of H. M. Customs and Excise, for the year
ended 31st March, 1960, indicates that a big increase in tobacco smoking in
Britain sent the Customs and Excise revenue up, during that year, by £52
million to £788 million- the department s highest single revenue rise. Tobacco
clearances for consumption rose by more than 17 million lbs. to 262 million
lbs. and the report makes it clear that the increase was due, in the main, to
an increased consumer demand.
It may be of some use to re-state the facts. The consumption of tobacco
rose from 11½ million lbs. in 1900 to over 225 million lbs. in 1958. In 1900
deaths from lung cancer were eight per million of the population - in 1958,
440 per million In the past eight years 125,000 deaths have occurred from
lung cancer in England and Wales alone - many more than all accidental deaths
on the roads, in the home and in industry.
Publicity has failed In any case it has been quite inadequate when
compared with the skilful and sustained propaganda for smoking conducted by
the tobacco industry - much of it directed at the adolescent boy and girl to
whom smoking is presented as something fine and glamorous and a sign of
maturity. It would be wrong, in spite of public apathy to drop this subject
and accept the consequences It is hoped that the wise person will, progressively,
cut down his cigarettes or, better still: give them up altogether, or change
over to a pipe which is considered to be less dangerous
During 1960 a concentrated mass x ray survey was carried out in Cray ford,
Bexley and Erith (total population 166,800) in conjunction with the South-East
Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board. The results of this survey are given in
the body of the report. It will be seen that 35,250 people were x-rayed
(Crayford 5,950) but it should be stated that an additional seven thousand
were x rayed in factories just prior to the campaign in order to free the units
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