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Medical Officer of Health, hospitals, medical officers of residential establishments,
industrial organisations, etc.; and co-operation with the National Insurance offices
of the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance with a view to lcooping watch
on rises in first claims to sickness benefit.
Another aspect was to be liaison with the local Registrars of deaths in regard
to increases in total deaths and deaths from pneumonia, bronchitis and influenza.
Arrangements were also discussed for submission of pathological specimens to the
Public Health Laboratory Service.
The above suggested liaison arrangements were put into operation for the
winter 1954-1955.
Bacteriological Examinations
All specimens for bacteriological examination dealt with through the Department
are now submitted to the Public Health Laboratory Service, County Hall,
S.E.1.

(I am indebted to Dr. B.E.A. Sharpe, Divisional Medical Officer, London
County Council, for the 1954 figures in connection with vaccination, diphtheria
and whooping cough inoculations, and chest clinics).
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA
SECTION C
(In conjunction with Mr. W. C. Bartlett, Chief Sanitary Inspector)
The condition of the majority of houses in the borough continues to be very
far from satisfactory. Although this Council and the London County Council have
erected between them 763 flats during the year the remaining properties, in the main,
are obsolescent and lack the essential amenities necessary to secure reasonable living
accommodation for the occupants. A large number were built a century or more ago
and are in a marked stage of disrepair. The repair of such being uneconomical,
owners have in many cases either abandoned the property or requested the Council
to take appropriate action under the Housing Act, 1936. The relative sections of