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8
instill into all food handlers the vital importance of cleanliness. It is
both interesting and encouraging to realise that there were only 30
new cases of tuberculosis notified during the year, and three deaths,
and this compares with fifty-six notifications and nineteen deaths in
1951, when the population was only 63,344, compared with the present
figure of 80,080. This surely is real progress.
A Census was taken during the year 1961, and as yet only a
preliminary report has been published, but it is expected that many
interesting facts will be brought to light when the more detailed
figures are available. The local statistics show that the population has
risen once again to its highest ever level, but that there is not a lot of
variation in the other figures with the exception of the birth rate,
which has now fallen to a level well below the national figure, whereas
in 1960 the Orpington figure was well above that for England and
Wales. The infant mortality rate has fallen and is well below the
national figure, but as only sixteen deaths are involved, a small variation
in that figure could of course, make a large percentage difference.
There were no maternal deaths and the general death rate remaining
at approximately the same level as in the previous year, is well below
that for the country as a whole.
One of the outstanding events of the year, as far as the Public
Health Committee are concerned, was the publication of the Government's
intentions with regard to the future of Local Government in
the Greater London area. As a result of these decisions, Orpington
Council, in conjunction with three other local authorities, would
administer almost all the health services, both personal and environmental,
and would thus, of course, acquire a number of additional
responsibilities. In view of the Government's clear intention, it is
interesting to note some words written in a report to another local
authority in 1950, by my predecessor, Dr. K. E. Tapper:—
"The day must come when local incentive and local interest will
require truly local government. With development of new estates,
shops, houses, and transport, the boundaries of local authorities are
no longer defined, and amalgamation of authorities is a natural
sequence—large enough to be financially sound and small enough so
that the administrator, the elected representatives and the electorate,
are members of a team, and can exercise their functions without reference
to forms and form-filling."
Once again I have to thank Mr. Crowe, the Chief Public Health
Inspector, and the whole staff of the Orpington Public Health Department
for their loyalty and devotion to duty. Mr. Crowe has handled
his dual task with his customary efficiency, and I am deeply conscious
of the fact that being Cleansing Superintendent is no sinecure. I also