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9
Public Health Department
Lambeth Town Hall,
Brixton Hill, S.W.2.
Tel : BRIxton 7755
July, 1961
To the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors
of the Metropolitan Borough of Lambeth.
Mr.Mayor, Ladles and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present my Annual Report for the year 1960 on the
health of the Borough.
The Registrar-General's estimated mid-year population is 224,080, an
increase of 780 over last year.
The death rate is lower than that of last year, 10.86 as compared with 11.38
and the birth rate at 19.55 per 1000 home population is the highest recorded in the
Borough since 1947 when it was 23.10. One disturbing feature is the high proPortion
of illegitimate births but against this the illegitimate infantile mortality
has shown a marked fall compared with last year.
The infantile mortality at 21.0 per 1000 live births is the second lowest in
past ten years.
The increase in the number of deaths from cancer of the lung which has been
apparent for a number of years now continues.
In the field of infectious disease I have to record the occurrence of a small
Outbreak of diphtheria. These sporadic outbreaks have been occurring in various
Parts of the country and no doubt reflect the attitude of parents who see no
urgency to get their children protected against a disease of which they have only
heard. Whilst perhaps many get their children immunised in infancy the need for
reinforcing injections is not appreciated. The result is that the level of immunity
the community falls and any infection which is introduced spreads more
easily.
The welfare of the aged is a matter in which the Council has continued to
take an active interest by its generous financial assistance to the Lambeth Old
people's Welfare Association whose work has continued to expand. The provision
holidays at Margate for old age pensioners at reduced rates has been much
appreciated and during the year 339 old persons availed themselves of this