[Report 1963] / Medical Officer of Health, Marshland R.D.C.

  • Marshland (England). Rural District Council.
Date:
1963
Catalogue details

Licence: Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

Credit: [Report 1963] / Medical Officer of Health, Marshland R.D.C. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    5/60 (page 1)
    tfr. Chairman & Gentlemen, I have the honour to present my report for the year ending December 31st, 1963. The estimated mid-year population was 17,320. Sirths There were 292 live births giving a birth rate of 17*19* j)eaths There were 175 deaths. The death rate was 11.43. You will see that the table showing the causes of death is set out in greater detail this year. The same form will be adopted in future so that comparisons can be made between deaths in separate age groups from one year to the next. fluoridation of Water Supplies In February a full report on fluoridation was submitted to the Public Health Committee together with leaflets obtained from the Royal Society of Health. After considering the matter you decided to approve the fluoridation of water supplies. In July Norfolk County Council voted against fluoridation. This does not mean that parents who wish to preserve their children’s teeth can do nothing to provide fluoride for them. As I have mentioned In earlier reports fluoride tablets are sold by the chemists. The cost Is tne shillings a year for each child. I thoroughly recommend these tablets both for expectant mothers and for children. Legal issues relating to fluoridation were tested in the Sire High Court during the year. I mention this lengthy case because It was regarded as a general guide to local authorities in this Country. Scientific and medical evidence was obtained from many sources and on the 65th day of the hearing judgement was given in favour of the Attorney General. It was ruled that fluoridation did not infringe personal family or educational rights guaranteed by the Irish Constitution. Much has been written on fluoridation since my report in February and I will prepare to review the matter for you if Norfolk County Council alters its own decision to oppose fluoridation. 1