The Royal College of Physicians published a report on the link between smoking and cancer of the lung and other diseases, with recommended interventions.
Following changes in societal attitudes in the 1960s, legislation increased access to contraceptive advice and legalised abortion under certain conditions.
'Administrative structure of the medical and related services in England and Wales' and 'Future structure of the National Health Service in England' proposed the creation of area authorities.
The faculty was set up as a standard setting body for public health professionals in response to a recommendation made by the Royal Commission on Medical Education.
A change of government and a change of secretary of state led to the white paper. This outlined significant structural and administrative reform of the health system.
The Act gave effect to the structural and administrative reform of the health system outlined in the 1972 white paper on National Health Service reorganisation.