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6
In the world of drug products it is relatively easy, one imagines, to
obtain some evidence that various drug preparations are said to have
produced beneficial results. It is difficult and costly to initiate clinical
trials on a strictly impartial basis. It may well be that whilst their
individual therapeutic effects may vary within quite wide limits their
common factor is at least their safety.
The addition— and undoubted present and potential force— of television
as an advertising medium makes it even more desirable for a
benevolent— but real— interest to be maintained in protecting the public
interest.
Clean Air.
This matter is dealt with at length elsewhere.
Our first area— at Cranham— has been confirmed and will come into
force on 1st September, 1959. This is a milestone which time will serve
to emphasise.
A Clean Air programme is no longer a fit subject for specious
dismissal or criticism— not always by the informed— but is a logical
sequence of present-day thought translated into action which will, one
believes, produce cumulative benefit both to the community and its
environment.
Local Government Re-organisation.
This matter is largely one of policy and hence outwith my legitimate
field of comment, the more so as a Royal Commission is at present
considering the position.
Hornchurch is now deemed within Greater London which should
occasion no surprise.
I do not propose to comment on the Local Health Authority services
in this area under the National Health Service Act 1946, but I would
record my opinion that the denial of even delegated powers to this
district in 1947 was much to be regretted. It will be interesting to see
how time and experience will bear upon that decision.
Acknowledgments.
My best thanks are due to my fellow Council officials in other
Departments, and especially to Dr. O'Dwyer, Mr. Randall and Mr. Blay
in my own Department.
I am,
Your obedient servant,
James Gorman, M.B., Ch.B., D.P.H.
Medical Officer of Health.