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3
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of the
Borough of Dagenham.
Your Worship, Ladies and Gentlemen,
In presenting my report of the year 1942, I propose
departing somewhat from previous practice inasmuch as
the commentary will be found chiefly in this part of the
report, and statistical matter will follow in the later pages.
The report is compiled in accordance with Circular
2773 issued by the Ministry of Health, wherein Medical
Officers of Health are requested to regard it as an interim
one as have been those of previous war years, but
all statistical matter is preserved for use in a subsequent
report which may be required after the end of the war.
Certain figures regarding population and other
matters which might be considered as prejudicial to the
national safety, are excluded. Many subjects which have
been dealt with in previous reports are intentionally
omitted, as if information is required on these subjects,
it is readily available.
The vital statistics once more compare very favourably
with those of previous years. The birth rate has
risen slightly, the maternal death rate is well below that
of the country as a whole, as are the infantile mortality
and general death rates. Details of all these figures are
given statistically in subsequent pages.
It is usually assumed that an annual report for a
specified year should refer to facts and figures appertaining
to that year. As far as the statistical matter is concerned,
this principle has been adhered to, but in this