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97
The firm concerned were also communicated with and made
similar examination from a packet from the same consignment with
similar results.
It should be mentioned however, that many other children
were supplied from the same consignment and remained perfectly
well.
It is safe to assume that had it not been for this epidemic of
Diarrhoea and Enteritis, the Infantile Mortality Rate recorded would
have been more comparable with that of recent years.
Deaths of Children 1 to 5 Years of Age.
The number of deaths of children between the ages of 1 and 2
years was 19, and between 2 and 5 years, 18. The previous year
the figures were 17 and 20 respectively.
Birth Control.—The question of the establishment of a Clinic
whereby women suffering from gynæcological conditions could obtain
advice on contraceptive methods has received the serious attention
of the Council from time to time.
The question as to whether Clinics of this nature should be
provided by Local Authorities is one which has caused a good deal
of controversy, not only amongst the Public but amongst religious
and other bodies. A Circular, however, issued by the Ministry of
Health states that Clinics may be provided on the understanding that
the following conditions are strictly complied with:—
(1) That the Clinics will be available only for women
who are in need of medical advice and treatment for gynaecological
conditions.
(2) That advice on contraceptive methods will be given only
to married women who attend the clinics for such medical
advice or treatment, and in whose case pregnancy would be
detrimental to health or who are suffering from other forms of
sickness, physical or mental, such as those mentioned in the
Report of the Departmental Committee on Maternal Mortality
and Morbidity.
As it appeared from the reports of the Medical Officers in
charge of our various Ante-Natal and Welfare Centres that it was
desirable that information should be available for married women
attending the Centres, the Council made arrangements with the
Authorities of the Walworth Women's Welfare Centre who have been
conducting a Birth Control Clinic for some time. Cases are referred
to the Birth Control Clinic on medical grounds alone, the Council
paying a fee of 7s. 6d. per patient. Such cases are assessed by the
Assistance Sub-Committee in the same way as the milk applications
are dealt with. Since the scheme has been in operation (November
23rd, 1934,) twelve cases have been so referred.