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to the effect that under these schemes there is pressing
necessity for authorising assistance to necessitous
mothers both before and after child-birth (outside the
Poor Law), and that the cost of such assistance should
rank for contribution from the Government grant.
Bethnal Green communicated with the Local Government
Board, supporting the representations made by the
Poplar Borough Council.
CHILDREN'S COUNTRY HOLIDAYS.
A letter was received from the Local Government
Board with reference to complaints which have occasionally
been made of the unfortunate results of sending
town children (at the instance of philanthropic organisations
or agencies) for holidays to country districts, and
pointing out the precautionary measures which should
be taken in regard to the prevention of infectious
disease, the supervision of housing conditions, and the
prevention of injurious overcrowding in dwellings.
The suggestions contained in the letter related
mainly to precautions which should be observed by the
agencies concerned, but stress was laid upon a suggestion
that medical officers of health would facilitate
enquiries as to children coming from infected homes by
indicating upon lists of children proposed to be sent
away from any homes where infection is suspected.
The course suggested has been followed in my
department for many years. With the growth of the
agencies concerned, the task is no light one; it consumes
much time and requires much attention on the part of
the staff. The work, however, is carried out thoroughly,
and although the burden of these semi-official enquiries