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as well as a very few isolated cases in other schools, but the remainder were free
from the infection as far as can be ascertained. Information was received of
approximately 500 children in the first school and 300 in the second. The Ministry
of Health was, of course, kept informed.
New virus infections of the respiratory tract have been reported from time to
time recently, and this outbreak—fortunately of a mild nature—might well have
been one of this group.
Bacteriological Examinations

(I am indebted to Dr. B. E. A. Sharpe, Divisional Medical Officer, London
County Council, for the 1955 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)
Whilst every opportunity is being taken to improve the conditions under which
residents of the borough live, much of the property in Islington, by reason of its
age and disrepair, is far from satisfactory. The problem is further aggravated by the
fact that, because of the National shortage of Sanitary Inspectors, the Department
has been required to carry out its statutory duties with a depleted staff. It is only
due to the Co-operation and good-will of the Inspectors in the employ of this Council
that the work has proceeded as satisfactorily as it has done.
The attention of the Public Health Committee was drawn to the unhygienic
and very unsatisfactory refuse storage facilities at certain blocks of tenement buildings
in the borough and, in consultation with the Cleansing Superintendent, the owners
agreed to carry out work in order that the "Paladin" system may be installed. As
an experiment, work on one block of flats commenced late in the year. Upon its
completion in 1956 consideration will be given by the owners to the conversion of
the chutes and storage chambers at the remaining blocks. A very considerable
improvement will be achieved upon the completion of this scheme.