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2
PREFACE.
The health of the Borough of Lambeth has been satisfactory
during the year ; the birth rate is higher and the death rate lower
while other cardinal pointers indicate improved standards. The
conspicuous dominant interest which has overshadowed all else
besides has been the housing situation and prospects. The Registrar
General estimated the mid-year population to be 173,280, but
ration books in use in the district on the 22nd December numbered
193,703, a strong indication that during that six months there had
been an influx of more than 20,000 people.
In that second six months of the year, the new accommodation
made available in the area was only 183 emergency and temporary
huts, although it must be remembered that great numbers of
damaged premises were, of course, repaired and made fit for occupation.
The prospect of any large number of new houses being
ready in the near future was not encouraging for the great numbers
of young men, particularly Group 26, waiting for release in the
early months of 1946. Most of these were either recently married
and wanting to set-up house or waiting for demobilisation before
marriage.
Thanks are gratefully tendered to the Chief Officers for their
unfailing help, to the members of the Public Health Committee for
their advice and criticism and to the staff of the Public Health
Department whose loyal co-operation throughout a difficult year
is acknowledged with a due sense of appreciation.
A.G.G.T,
July, 1946.