* * * * I am very glad to see
that Planning, the admirable broadsheet issued by P.E.P. (Political and Economic Planning) has made a reappearance after some eight months' suspension. It will, I gather, be published for the present, not at regular fortnightly intervals as before, but as occasion may demand and conditions generally permit. The issue now available consists of a com- prehensive, suggestive and highly valuable survey of what is called " London Under Bombing," embracing practically the whole of the health and civil defence services operating in the London area. From the scores of sentences I have underlined I might pick out these: " The existence of ninety-five separate local government authorities in the London Civil Defence Region has certainly not led to the most effective action."
" The rescue services are still inadequate in size."
" The L.C.C. is now running over four hundred evening classes in shelters."
" London is faced with a more serious health situation than probably at any time in the past hundred years." " There has been a marked increase in London deaths from bronchitis since the beginning of the war."
" Since 1929 influenza deaths have followed a four-yearly cycle, with peaks in 1933 and 1937. . . . It is possible that the first quarter of 1941 may be the peak of the present cycle."
" In respect of the fortification of foodstuffs (e.g., with vitamins) Germany appears to be well ahead of Britain at present." That will serve as sample. There is much more like it for which I have no space.
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