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8
from lung cancer, there are also a number ascribed to heart and
respiratory diseases, and here again the cigarette habit has undoubtedly
made its contribution.
From the vital statistics it can be seen that a further increase in
the population has occurred, and the birth rate has risen by comparison
with the previous year, but is still a little below the national
figure. The death rate remains unchanged, but the infant mortality
rate has risen a little; this is of no great significance as the numbers
involved are so small and therefore a small variation involves a
largish percentage increase.
An entirely new feature of the year in question was the granting
of customs facilities to Biggin Hill Civil Airport. This of course
necessitated the setting up of a health control unit, in close association
with the Customs Office at the Airport. The accommodation provided
had to be adapted for use as consulting and isolation rooms and
both these rooms had to be equipped and furnished. Arrangements
were made with the three local general practitioners to be on call so
there would always be someone to deal with any threat of the importation
by air of any serious infection, especially smallpox. At the time
of writing no emergency calls to the Airport have been received.
The Government's final decision on the grouping of Local Authorities
to form the London Borough, of which Orpington is to be part,
was made known during the year, and as a result of this the other
authorities concerned are to be Beckenham, Bromley, Penge and part
of Chislehurst/Sidcup. This merger will produce a local authority of
approximately three hundred thousand persons, and should provide a
rateable value capable of maintaining services of a very high calibre
on the health and welfare side. Here seems to be the opportunity
of reminding members that the new London Borough will be responsible
for all health and welfare services with the exception of ambulances
which will be administered by the Greater London Authority.
Although the loss of local government identity will be regretted by
many, 'there can be no doubt that the additional responsibilities,
especially in the field of health, will be very welcome. Although the
personal services will not be as local as some might have liked, the
centre of operations will be much nearer than formerly with the
consequent closer association between the electorate and the executive
officers of the Council, and this is surely an important facet of truly
local government.
I have to thank my deputy, Dr. Kelynack for his devoted service,
and the annual repetition of this does not make it any less sincere.
Similarly, I am greatly indebted to Mr. Crowe who has once again
surmounted the many problems necessarily involved in his work
especially as Cleansing Superintendent. My thanks are also due to all