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8
property and although a lot remains to be done this aspect of the
Department's work should not go unrecognised. The Slum Clearance
programme was continued and in December the Ministerial
enquiry into the Little Heath area representation was held and the
Minister's decision is awaited. Other areas were surveyed in detail
in preparation for submission to the Council next year.
An account of the floods as they affected Greenwich is included
in the body of the report and some observations are made on the
problems of atmospheric pollution. After the initial shock caused
by the tragedy last December the usual state of apathy has
developed and one waits for the report of the Beaver Committee
with considerable apprehension. At the moment there is no
indication that the drastic measures necessary for tackling the problems
will be taken and we must anticipate each succeeding winter
with increasing mis-givings. Of course, the remedies will require
heavy expenditure and may cause considerable inconvenience and
temporary dislocation to many undertakings but it cannot be
stressed sufficiently that without the full backing of the law and
without a well planned smoke abatement and national fuel policy
Health Departments are restricted to very limited preventive
action.
Once again it is a pleasure to thank my Chairman and ViceChairman
for their support and encouragement. My thanks are
also due to the Town Clerk, his Deputy and my other chief Officer
colleagues for many kindnesses and much advice on diverse matters.
In conclusion I am grateful to the staff of the Department for their
loyalty and work done.
I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
J. Kerr Brown
Medical Officer of Health