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36
It will be observed that in .1932 there was a considerable increase in
the cost of milk. This arose in part as a result of the great increase in
unemployment, necessitating the supply of milk to a large number of
applicants free of cost. It also arose by reason of the fact that cows'
milk was supplied to 75 per cent. of the applicants, dried milk being
supplied to the remaining 25 per cent. In 1926 only 30 per cent. of the
milk supplied was cows' milk.
The existing arrangements for the supply of milk in the Borough
are working satisfactorily. In conjunction with the Public Assistance
Committee, 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.
INSTITUTIONAL PROVISION FOR UNMARRIED MOTHERS,
ILLEGITIMATE INFANTS AND HOMELESS CHILDREN.
(1) The Day Servants Hostel, 29-33, Danvers Street, Chelsea, provides
accommodation for 15 unmarried mothers and their infants. Cases
are not received until after birth of the child. Daily work is provided
by the Hostel and the mothers reside with their babies at night.
(b.) The Hostel for Discharged Women Prisoners and Police Court
Cases, 497, King's Road, Chelsea, provides accommodation for 20 women
on discharge from prison or if found homeless. Unmarried mothers,
but not illegitimate infants, are received. An expectant mother is
retained until the confinement approaches. Arrangements are then made
for her admission to Hospital. If she is subsequently re-admitted
to the Hostel, the infant is settled with a foster mother.
(c.) St. Theresa's Shelter, 43, Smith Street, Chelsea, is a Rescue
Home which provides accommodation for nine girls. Cases are detained
for some weeks until some suitable employment can be found. In the
case of an expectant mother, arrangements are made for her transfer
to an appropriate Home or Institution elsewhere in the Metropolis.
Homeless children in general are cared for by the Public Assistance
Committee.
AMBULANCE FACILITIES.
(a.) Infectious Cases.—Under the Public Health (London) Act,
persons in London suffering from certain notifiable diseases may be
conveyed without payment to a hospital of the London County Council.
The London County Council ambulances are also available, on payment,
for the conveyance of persons suffering from infectious disease to places
•elsewhere in the metropolitan area.