London's Pulse: Medical Officer of Health reports 1848-1972
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Hints from the Health Department. Leaflet from the archive of the Society of Medical Officers of Health. Credit: Wellcome Collection, London
Bethnal Green 1936
[Report of the Medical Officer of Health for Bethnal Green Borough]
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10
LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE DEPARTMENT—AREA II.
Number of Persons in Receipt of Out-Relief
| Week Ending | Men | Women | Children under 16 | Total Persons | Total Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4. 1. 36 | 1,400 | 1,845 | 1,861 | 5,106 | 2,316 |
| 27. 6. 36 | 1,252 | 1,677 | 1,465 | 4,394 | 2,133 |
| 26. 12. 36 | 1,099 | 1,535 | 1,153 | 3,787 | 1,958 |
I am informed by the Education Officer that the
average number of necessitous school children provided
with meals of some kind at public elementary
schools in the Borough during the year was 1003
(milk), and 45 (dinners). This number of children
is surprisingly small in view of the widespread
poverty in the Borough. The number of children
obtaining cheap milk under the scheme of the Milk
Marketing Board is not known.
Economic enquiries made in connection with
applications for various Maternity and Child Welfare
services continue to indicate that a very large portion
of the population is living at a low level.
PUBLIC HEALTH EXPENDITURE.
During the financial year 1935-36, the cost of the
Public Health service was £25,959, or 5s. 4d. per head
of the population, equivalent to a rate of 1s. 1d. in
the £.
THE HEALTH SERVICES IN THE BOROUGH.
The Borough Council is recognised by statute as
the local health authority, but many important
health services are still outside its jurisdiction and