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137
Three Wartime Day Nurseries wore established during 1942 and,
due to the rationing of Clothes and Furnishings, a scheme for the
supply of extra clothing coupons to expectant mothers was introduced. Vitamins and fruit juices were also made available to nursing and expectant mothers and infants by the Ministry of Food
under a National Scheme.
In 1943 the Government ratified allowances for dependants of
sufferers from Tuberculosis who were expected to return to work
within a reasonable period.
Mass Miniature Radiography was introduced by the London
County Council in 1944 and in the same year the Council agreed to
participate in the Metropolitan Borough Councils' scheme for the
Care of Illegitimate Children. About this time the Ministry, in
order to reduce neo-natal deaths, asked for a special investigation
and report on all premature infants, i.e. children born at 5½ lbs.
weight or less.
In 1945 Domestic Helps were introduced and the Council
adopted schemes for housing development throughout the Borough.
Similarly the London County Council wore also considering the
development of the Brook Estate in the Kidbrooke area.
During 1946, the Shooters Hill Road and Pound Park Nurseries
were taken over by the L.C.C. and a ' points ' system was introduced
by the Housing Department to determine housing priorities. At
the same time the Council indicated its intention to participate in
the Ministry of Food Rodent Control scheme and appointed 16
special investigators and operatives.
The year 1946 was of great significance in the life of the
Metropolitan Boroughs. Introduction of the National Health
Service Act of this year was eventually to lead to the transference
to alien authorities of the M. & C.W. and many other services which
had been brought to a high level of efficiency over a period of
years by Local management.
The first official attempt to secure the elimination of pathogenic
organisms from Ice Cream was made in 1947 by the introduction
of the Ice Cream (Heat Treatment etc.) Regulations.
An extension of the Rodent Control Scheme was made during
this period and the Council's decision concerning the establishment
of an Anti-Fly and Mosquito Scheme which had been taken the
previous year was implemented. The Anti-Fly and Mosquito
campaign is now a well established Public Health Service and
commences in May of each year and continues until October.