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3
Not only is it most desirable to decrease the amount of
cigarette smoking by the population, most especially the
younger section of the community, but the abolition of
smoke in the air that we breath is of the very greatest importance.
To this end the Council declared the third smoke
control area during 1962. This is part of a well formulated
policy whereby the whole of the Feltham Urban District will
be entirely free from smoke by 1969.
It is gratifying to know that there were no deaths due
to pregnancy, childbirth or abortion. An increasing cause of
death is unfortunately attributable to suicide of which there
were no less than six—this is more than has been reported
for fifteen years except in 1957 when a similar number
occurred. No cases of diptheria occurred in the district
during the year and it is now twelve years since a case
was notified.
During 1962 Dr. Cormack was appointed as Medical
Officer of Health to the district of Harrow and I succeeded
him in November, 1962.
I should like to thank the Chairman and the members
of the Public Health Committee and the staff of the Public
Health Department, particularly Mr. F. V. Bell the Chief
Public Health Inspector, for their welcome to me on the
staff and the help I have had from the Council and the
department.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
LOUISE A. MATHESON
Medical Officer of Health