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There were no cases of smallpox and no deaths from diphtheria,
measles, whooping cough or scarlet fever.
Deaths from cancer of the lung continue to increase, from 62 to 77,
and so too does cigarette smoking, boosted by the great publicity drive
to popularise new brands of cigarettes. In England and Wales during 1958
fifty-four people died daily from cancer of the lungs. By comparison
motor vehicle accidents were responsible for 15 deaths a day and tuberculosis
12 deaths a day.
The Minister of Housing and Local Government in March gave provisional
approval to the Council's first Smoke Control Area under the Clean Air Act,
1956. The Smoke Control Order for this area was made by the Council in
November and on the Minister's confirmation it is probable that it will
come into operation on 1st November, 1960. A programme of further areas
has been prepared and it is possible that smoke control will be operative
over the whole of the Borough by 1970.
The Council's Holiday Centre at Sandgate established under the
Physical Training & Recreation Act, 1937, remained open throughout the
year and was heavily booked up in the summer season.
In presenting my report I would like to take this opportunity to
express my thanks to the Chairman and Members of Committees for the
encouragement and support which I have received from them. To all the
Staff of the department I accord my thanks and particularly to those who
have so willingly helped me in the preparation of this report.
I have the honour to be,
Your Worship, Ladies & Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
F. R. O'SHIEL,
Medical Officer of Health.
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