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desirable a visit should be made by Miss Whitworth, the newlyappointed
Woman Sanitary Inspector.
On November 29th I received a telephonic message from
the London County Council requesting to be informed if Miss
Whitworth was visiting homes where births had occurred. M^
attention was directed to the fact that such work was not
included among the duties approved at the time of her appointment,
and if carried out would necessitate the London County
Council refusing to pay their contribution to her salary. I had
an interview with the Medical Officer of Health to the London
County Council, who, while agreeing that the work proposed was
desirable, adhered to the opinion that inasmuch as the duty of
visiting homes where births had occurred was not included in
the list of duties approved when the Inspector was appointed, if
such duty was performed, the London County Council would be
unable to allow the usual contribution to the Inspector's salary.
Dr. Shirley Murphy promised to report the matter to his Committee
and requested me to send particulars in writing.
The following letter was sent on December 1st;—
Health Department,
Town Hall, Catford.
The Medical Officer of Health,
London County Council.
Dear Sir,
Re Female Sanitary Inspector.
On Tuesday last I had a communication from your
Department by telephone asking if Miss Whitworth, our
Woman Sanitary Inspector, was visiting homes where births
had occurred and giving information in regard to infant feeding.
Your representative pointed out that you had before you a
declaration signed by our Town Clerk to the effect that Miss
Whitworth was carrying out the duties approved by the Local
Government Board, and that it was necessary to approve of
this declaration before the proportion of her salary payable by
the London County Council could be sent to the Lewisham
Borough Council.