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36
It will be seen therefore that the Committee has been instrumental
in securing a considerable measure of assistance in a large
number of instances, but it will be appreciated that, in many cases,
the shortage of housing accommodation makes it impossible to
improve the homes, and often the patient loses the good obtained
on his return to a crowded home. In other cases the hopelessness
of getting suitable work causes the patient to lose heart owing to the
lack of occupation and a consequent lack of money to get extra
nourishment.
Despite these difficulties, however, the members of the Committee
have been much encouraged in their work, owing to the marked
improvement brought about in the condition of many of the patients
coming under their care.
In June, the Secretary of the Royal Borough of Kensington
Tuberculosis Care Committee wrote, with reference to the fixed
Minimum Income Basis in Cases of Assessment, that at a meeting
of representatives of the neighbouring Boroughs the following
resolution was passed unanimously: "That a graduated scale
based on (a) income (b) expenditure (c) number of persons in the
family should be substituted as a guide for the fixed minimum
income basis of £160.
The Committee's views were invited and they were also asked
if they would associate themselves with the above Committee in
making a joint recommendation to the London County Council.
After some discussion, the Committee decided to support the resolution
and join in the recommendation to the London County
Council.
In July, the Secretary reported attending a Conference at
19, Berkeley Street, between the Secretaries of Tuberculosis Care
Committees and the Representatives administering the Emergency
Help Scheme in the County of London, with the object of securing
a closer co-operation in dealing with ex-Service men coming within
the scope of the Scheme.
I should like in closing to acknowledge gratefully the help I
have always received not only from the members of the Committee
but also from the Medical Officer of Health, and the Tuberculosis
Officer.
My period of office extends over six years,
M. N. JOHNSTON,
Hon. Secretary.