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The average daily attendance during the year was 34.
The nursery is open on five and a half days in the week, the charge to
parents being 5s. for each child per week, with remissions in special
circumstances.
Midwives Bill.—The Minister of Health acting on the recommendations
of the Joint Council of Midwifery contained in their report published in
1935 decided to introduce a Bill to establish a public service of midwives
throughout the country. It was submitted in the report of the Joint
Council that an adequate service of trained midwives would have an
important influence in reducing maternal illness and mortality. Much
stress was laid on the poor remuneration paid to private midwives as a
result of which the profession was not attracting the most efficient type
of recruits. It was a strenuous but ill-paid calling. The custom in certain
areas for unqualified handy women to conduct confinements under cover
of a doctor nominally engaged was fraught with danger for the mother
and this would be stopped under the Bill. The administration of the
new provisions would be undertaken by the existing supervisory authorities.
In London this would seriously prejudice the local maternity and child
welfare authorities who have been providing midwifery services for a
great many years. Their work would be handed over to the London
County Council unless some machinery for preserving and co-ordinating
it within a London County Council scheme is authorized by the Bill.
In Westminster, at any rate, the midwifery needs of the City are already
amply met by the City Council's own scheme.
SANITARY CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE AREA.
Water.—With the exception of certain premises which are supplied
with water from deep wells, the whole of Westminster takes its supply
from the Metropolitan Water Board. During the year three deep wells were
sunk, one at Princes Court, Knightsbridge and two at the Royal Empire
Society, Northumberland Avenue. The total number of premises
supplied from deep wells is now 88, but it is noteworthy that in one
very large building the supply from the well shows signs of failing:
the owners have very wisely turned to the Water Board for supply.
Public Swimming Pools, Laundries, &c.—There are three municipal
establishments, situated at Buckingham Palace Road, Great Smith
Street, and Marshall Street.
(9069) F