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vi
As regards infectious disease, the City was remarkably free from
serious outbreaks. Smallpox, which has been very prevalent in other
fcarts of London, was, except for two cases, non-existent among residents.
In this connection it may be observed that while Westminster is a relatively
well vaccinated area, the districts where smallpox has been rife do not
appear to be so well protected. The present outbreak of smallpox in
London is costing a very great deal of money which might have been
avoided had vaccination been more universal. In Westminster, where
a great many contacts are employed, the work of supervising them has
idded very greatly to the ordinary duties of the department.
Housing continues to be an issue of prime importance. The occurrence
of dangerous structures among working class dwellings is a problem of
increasing urgency and is discussed at some length. Overcrowding and
other insanitary conditions of living still call for remedy, but they do not
present the desperate need of those whose homes have become dangerous
structures and are being pulled down over their heads.
The progress of the new housing schemes of the City Council receives
special notice illustrated with photographs. While the Millbank scheme
of 604 dwellings develops slowly, being a replacement or improvement
scheme, that at Ebury Bridge is near completion and will afford 210
additional dwellings. Both will effect a pronounced improvement in
housing conditions in the City.
Among general sanitary matters the question of smoke abatement
and the anticipation of sulphur fumes from the Battersea Power Station
are discussed. Some remarks on the injurious effects of noise are added.
As regards the supervision of food, the routine inspection of restaurants
and other food premises continues to be a most important duty. No
outbreaks of food poisoning were reported. The usual number of food
samples were examined by the Public Analysts and a somewhat higher
percentage of adulterations were found among the milk samples. The
discovery of boric acid in caviare lead to two prosecutions. Boric acid
is not permitted in any food nor may any preservative be added to caviare.
The orders relating to the marking of agricultural produce continue to
increase in number and add considerably to the work of food inspection.
Maternal Mortality figured seriously in 1928, but in 1929 it has dropped
from 12.4 per 1,000 births to 3.6. This fortunate circumstance is largely
due to fewer deaths from abortion—two as compared with five in 1928.
The provision of maternity beds in Westminster Hospital has proved a
most successful arrangement and of great benefit to mothers attending
the Maternity and Child Welfare Centres.