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Town Hall,
Bethnal Green, E. 2,
June, 1922.
To the Mayor, the "Aldermen and
Councillors of the Metropolitan
Borough of Bethnal Green.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present to you my third Annual Report,
which deals with the health of the Borough of Bethnal Green for
the year 1921.
In spite of the distress prevalent from unemployment, the health
of the Borough continued good, and the general death-rate of 12.9
deaths per 1,000 of population was the lowest on record. The
birth-rate, 25.4 per 1,000, is lower than the abnormal rate of 1920.
Furthermore, it does not appear that we shall return to the high
birth-rates which were usual before the great war. In so far as
this indicates the betterment of social conditions and the spread of
education it is all to the good.
The portion of this Report dealing with the subject of housing
is scanty and reflects the disappointment of the hopes which everyone
entertained after the Armistice of clearing away certain notorious
slum areas. The steadily decreasing cost of material and labour
may soon, however, enable a fresh start to be made.
As in past Reports, I have to express my thanks to the members
of the Council, and more particularly to members of the Public
Health Committee, for the support and consideration they have
accorded myself and my staff during the past year. I must also
tender my thanks to the officers and employees of the Public Health
Department for the support I have received from them, and to other
officers of the Council's staff for the help and courtesies received.
I am, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient servant,
GEOFFEEY EUGENE OATES,
Medical Officer of Health.