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V
Annual Report on the Health and Sanitary
Condition of the City of Westminster.
19 2 9.
Mr. Mayor, My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have the honour to present my Annual Report for the year 1929.
The report is prepared in accordance with the requirements contained
in Circular 1048 from the Ministry of Health, which are practically identical
with those of Circular 939 of the previous year. On this occasion the
various sections and sub-headings are set out exactly in the order suggested
by the Ministry. In addition, certain matters of importance to the health
of the City are discussed at some length. The sphere of work relating
to the public health is steadily growing and is, each year, embracing more
factors relating to the health of the individual and the state of his
environment. As the Annual Report of the Medical Officer of Health is
expected to be a faithful account of all circumstances which influence the
public health, it is becoming difficult to deal adequately with many
matters and still keep the Report within reasonable compass.
The work of the Department falls under these sections
1. General Sanitation—abatement of nuisances and other conditions
relating to environment, e.g., water supplies, drainage work,
smoke abatement, etc.
2. Prevention and control of Infectious Disease and Vital Statistics.
3. Housing.
4. Inspection of Factories, Workshops and Workplaces.
5. Supervision of Food and Food premises.
3. Maternity and Child Welfare.
7. Prevention and treatment of Tuberculosis.
8. Disinfection and Mortuaries.
The vital statistics of the City show increases in the death and infantile
mortality rates similar to those recorded in most parts of the country :
this fact receives more than one comment in the report.