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This outbreak was not of course one of botulism, but it is desirable to point out here that in
the event of any case of botulism occurring in Kensington, medical practitioners will be able to
obtain a supply of antitoxin for use in this disease from the Ministry of Health, Whitehall, direct,
or by application through the Medical Officer of Health.
The immediate use of this antitoxin is of paramount importance and the lapse of a few hours
between the appearance of the symptoms and the use of the antitoxin may make all the difference
between its successful and unsuccessful application.
SUPPLY OF EXTRA NOURISHMENT FOR EXPECTANT AND NURSING
MOTHERS AND FOR INFANTS.
In May, 1920, the Council adopted a scheme for the distribution of milk to expectant
and nursing mothers and infants under the age of five years, which was described in detail in
my Annual Report for that year.
In March, 1921, the Minister of Health required that local authorities must obtain his sanction,
under the Maternity and Child Welfare Act, 1918, to schemes for the supply of milk to expectant
and nursing mothers and infants.
The Minister laid down the conditions under which his sanction would be given and, as these
were practically identical with those which governed the Kensington scheme, it was only necessary
to make slight modifications in order to obtain the necessary approval.
In view of the great care in administration which has been exercised by the Council's Milk
Sub-Committee, the effort of the Minister of Health to secure a similarly reasonable administration
throughout the Country was welcomed.
On December 13th, 1921, the Minister issued circular No. 267, in which he stated that he
was not satisfied that the milk being supplied by local authorities was always consumed by the
persons for whom it was intended, and that he was of opinion that the provision of meals to
be consumed by expectant and nursing mothers on premises, or under arrangements, controlled by
local authorities, would be of greater physiological value than the supply of milk given under
existing conditions. He further stated that the supply of fresh or dried milk should only be given
to infants up to .12 months of age not being nursed by their mothers.
In view of the Minister's Circular, the Council reconsidered their scheme for the supply of
nourishment to expectant and nursing mothers, and arrangements were made with the Golborne,
Raymede, and Lancaster Road Infant Welfare Centres to supply dinners at a cost to the Council
of 6d. per meal. This revision was approved by the Minister.
During the year 1922 there were 348 grants of milk made by the Council's Milk SubCommittee.
One hundred and thirty-nine of the grants were in response to new applications,
and the remaining 209 were renewals of grant.
Thirty-six applications for dinners were granted; 23 of these were new applications, and 13
renewals.