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again shows an increase, namely, 11.02 per 1,000 of the population.
This is the highest birth rate recorded in the Borough since 1931.
The infantile mortality figure, which has remained more or
less stationary during the last few years was 49 per 1,000 living
births (compared with 53, the average for the last 10 years). The
Registrar General's figure for the estimated population was 90,600,
which represents an increase of 1,653 since the census of 1931.
Hampstead is one of the two Metropolitan Boroughs showing an
increase in population since the 1931 census.
3. Maternity and Child Welfare.
The progress which has been made in these services during
the last few years was well consolidated. The various new
schemes which had been brought into operation continued to fulfil
a very useful service.
The Medical Officer to the Ante-natal Clinics, Dr. Mary
Kidd, gives an interesting and important study of the Borough
records during the last seven years,—this is contained in the body
of the Report.
4. Sanitary Circumstances of the Borough.
Some indication of the varied nature of the work of the
Department in relation to the general sanitary circumstances of
the Borough is given in Section 4 of this Report. I am now
required by the Ministry of Health to report specifically upon
action taken under the Shops Act, 1934, especially in relation to
ventilation, temperature, and sanitary conveniences. The shops
are being visited as and when opportunity occurs, and during
the year 136 were inspected. The Public Health Committee
has given careful consideration to the requirements as to sanitary
conveniences and has agreed upon a standard which is set out on
page 69. In only six cases were total exemption Certificates
granted in this respect.
The Ministry this year call for a report on public or privately
owned swimming baths or pools open to the public, and this
matter is referred to in Section 4.