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* These totals do not include orders subsequently cancelled or withdrawn, which
average 150 or more during each year.
‡ The Borough Council receives a grant from the Ministry of Health of one-half
the cost incurred.
It will be observed that the annual expenditure on milk has considerably
decreased since 1921, although the number of orders issued
has not diminished proportionately. This decreased expenditure is
incidental to the operation of the following causes:—(a) In March, 1921,
amended Regulations issued by the Ministry of Health in connection with
the supply of milk by local authorities came into force. These regulations
have limited not only the classes of case eligible for a supply of milk,
but also the quantity of milk allowed to be supplied.
(b) Various forms of dried milk are issued, on the recommendation
of the Medical Officers of the Clinics. In a large number of cases such
milk is tolerated better than cows' milk. It is also less liable to contamination.
The use of dried milk, especially during the winter months,
has effected further diminution in the total expenditure.
(c) The retail cost price of milk has declined since 1920.
The existing arrangements for the supply of milk in the Borough are
working satisfactorily. In conjunction with the Board of Guardians,
the Council's Milk Sub-Committee has formulated a scheme whereby
milk is supplied to appropriate cases even when such cases are already in
receipt of Poor Law relief. This scheme obviates the undesirable practice
of an individual being granted a somewhat similar form of relief by
two different authorities.
The supply of milk under the Borough Council Scheme has undoubtedly
effected very marked improvement in the general health of both mothers
and children.
WIDOWS', ORPHANS' AND OLD AGE CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS
ACT, 1925.
The powers and duties under this Act, in respect of deserted, abandoned
or neglected children in the Borough, have been taken over by the Council,
and a provisional scheme for the administration of the Act has been
arranged. The Health Visitors investigate and exercise supervision over
children under school age, while the Woman Sanitary Inspector carries
out these duties in the case of older children, except where a Health
Visitor is already in attendance on the family concerned. No case for
enquiry under the Act has yet occurred in the Borough.