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kind will be made to cope with these diseases. There has
been a remarkably unanimous expression of opinion by
those giving evidence before the Commission that compulsory
notification is not desirable, and that in these, as in
so many other diseases, the most effective measure of prevention
would be prompt and efficient treatment of those
suffering from the diseases in question.
The line of action that will probably be taken is provision
of diagnosis and treatment to all who have contracted
the diseases, and who are willing to avail themselves of these
facilities, and encouragement of the sufferers by every
possible means to take advantage of such treatment as may
be provided.
F. MEANS FOR PREVENTING MORTALITY IN
CHILDBIRTH AND INFANCY.
Maternity and Child Welfare.— This question of
Matcrnityand Child Welfare has received consideration
during the year, and interest in it has been stimulated by
the offer of the Government to provide 50 per cent. of the
cost of approved schemes. No subject is of greater national
importance at the present time, especially as the nation
must look forward to the time when the men now lost in
the war have to be replaced. A flat grant of 50 per cent.
from the Government is perhaps not quite fair to suburban
areas like Willesden, where the property is mainly of a
residential character, from the occupants of which many
richer London areas draw their supply of workers. The
following statement compares the child population of Willesden
and Westminster, and shows the rateable value of both
areas:—