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3
Population
The population of the borough has decreased by 30,000 over the past five years.
Consequently the number of births has also declined and there are now 2,162 live births this
year as against 3,164 in 1967. Attendances for clinics and other services have of necessity
been considerably reduced. School attendances also declined. The total September school
roll for 1968 was 17,399 and in 1972 it was 15,068.
Birth rate
The birth rate of 11.8 per 1,000 population shows a decrease as against 13 per 1,000
population last year. The actual number of births is dropping and this is in keeping with the
national trend. It could be one of the direct results of good family planning.
Death rate
The crude death rate per 1,000 population is 10.2 this year against 10.6 last year,
but due to an increase in the Area Comparability Factor to 1.09, the adjusted death rate is
11.1.
Infant death rate
The rate 21.8 per 1,000 live births shows an increase over last year's figures of 14.8.
The rate usually fluctuates and for Inner London, Greater London and for England and
Wales respectively, it was 19.9, 17.1 and 17.0.
Maternal death rate
No maternal death occurred during the year.

In conclusion I wish to express my appreciation to His Worship The Mayor, the
Chairmen and Vice-Chairmen of Committees and all Members of the Council for their kind
co-operation. The Town Clerk, Directors and Heads of Services and their staff have also
been most kind and helpful. The Health Department staff have also given willingly and
abundantly of their services and I am most grateful.
R.A. CLAY,
Acting Director of Health Services.