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it is clearly prudent to reduce to an absolute minimum the existence
of stray fibres. The establishment of a Research Council and an agreed
code of practice to ensure that no dust is emitted during transport and
tipping of asbestos is therefore to be welcomed.
VITAL STATISTICS
The birth-rate continues to fall, and is now only 11.0 per
thousand of the population (adjusted) as compared with the average
rate of 16.3 for England and Wales.
The death rate (adjusted) at 11.7 per thousand remains unchanged,
and very close to the average for England and Wales which was 11.9; there
were however some changes in distribution of the causes of death-more
from diseases of the lungs being balanced by small but welcome reductions
in deaths from heart disease and from accidents.
Although the number of live births (554) exceeded the number of
deaths (52.0) by 34, the estimated mid-year resident population of the
District fell from the previous year's figure of 56,350 to 56,030,
indicating a small excess of residents moving out of the District over
the numbers of those moving in.
CONTROL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
There were no major outbreale during the year, and no deaths from
the notifiable infectious diseases. The number of immunisations performed
was generally lower than in the previous year, but this was anticipated and
due largely to a recent change of policy whereby immunisation of infants
has been deliberately postponed to provide greater safety and better
results,
SECTION 47, NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948 AND NATIONAL ASSISTANCE
(AMENDMENT) ACT, 1951 AND 1962
No formal action was considered necessary during the year.
14 cases in possible need of care and attention were investigated and
kept under observation with the services of the district nurse, health
visitor, home help, meals-on-wheels, as necessary. Subsequently, 2
cases were voluntarily removed to hospital.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF STAFF
I examined 35 officers and staff of the Council on appointment
for duties in the District; also 9 employees were assessed and reported
on for sick-pay and superannuation purposes, following prolonged periods
of sick-leave or retirement.
RE-HOUSING
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