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the mildness of the attack from which our children have suffered
is a direct cause of the immunisation that has been carried out.
DISTRIBUTION OF VITAMINS.
The distribution of orange juice, cod liver oil and Vitamin A
capsules to ante-natal and nursing mothers and children under 5 years
of age is carried out in Enfield at each of the Council's six Maternity
and Child Welfare Centres and at the Central Food Office and each
of its two sub-offices. In this way it has been possible to secure
adequate facilities for all the residents of the district. During
the course of the year the following has been distributed through
these centres:—
Orange Juice 131,343 bottles
Cod Liver Oil 16,835 bottles
Vitamin A capsules 2,633 packets
ILLEGITIMACY.
Circular No. 2866 from the Ministry of Health was received
during the year.
In this Circular it was suggested that a scheme be devisea
possibly in conjunction with other Authorities, for the better care
and protection of the illegitimate child. Contact has been made
with the Middlesex County Council and it is hoped that a combined
scheme may be in operation during 1944.
ADOPTION ACT.
During the course of the year we have received requests from
Adoption Societies that we should investigate homes at which persons
are living who are desirous of adopting children. In all cases
these homes have been visited by our Health Visitors and confidential
reports submitted to the appropriate Association.
On the whole these reports have shown that the homes have
been satisfactory and that a real and genuine desire has existed
for the adoption of a child. This desire has in most cases been due
to the fact that the marriage of the persons concerned has been
childless. It has been suggested that the increase in the number
of requests for adoption since the outbreak of war, which is, I
understand, very striking, is due to a far less satisfactory cause.
The cases investigated in Enfield do not bear out this supposition.