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proceeding, and it may be that in the future - whether near or distant no one can tell
the causes of both heart and arterial disease and cancer will be discovered and then the
appropriate preventive measures can be applied. Cancer of the lung continues to increase
in incidence, and the connection between this and heavy cigarette smoking has been so
thoroughly demonstrated that the remedial measure is obvious - this can only be applied
by the individual himself.
Mr. Jenkins, the Chief Public Health Inspector and his colleagues have carried out
their many tasks with their usual efficiency throughout the year and to them I express
my gratitude for their willing co-operation at all times. Their work is summarised in
the body of the report, and some idea will be gained of the immense variety and scope
of the duties of a Public Health Inspector today. As indicated above, the almost complete
lack of noteworthy incident is itself the measure of the success achieved - public health
is only news when the various procedures normally used fail in some degree or other.
As always, the work of the Department has been made much easier and more
interesting because of the help and understanding of the Chairman and members of the
Public Health Committee; it is encouraging to feel that this support is there, and that the
proper measures to safeguard the Public Health will be taken.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
O. C. DOBSON,
Medical Officer of Health.
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