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in St. Pancras, and subsequently others in Woolwich and elsewhere in
the country. Direct contacts of these cases resided, worked or visited
addresses in Westminster, and all had to be kept under close surveillance
for the required period. Fortunately, no secondary cases occurred,
although there were some anxious moments.
The number of illegitimate births in 1962 again shows a disquieting
increase. Expressed as a percentage of the total number of live births,
this amounted to 15.74, compared with 12.16 in the previous year.
Seven years ago, in 1956, illegitimate births in Westminster amounted
to 9.78 per cent, of the total live births. Various factors have contributed
to the continued rise during the past seven years. As the
County Medical Officer of Health has already said, the vastness of London
provides a welcoming cloak of anonymity for women and young girls,
many of whom are already pregnant on arrival in London. Good antenatal
care and help from moral welfare organisations are readily forthcoming;
this is to be commended and is possibly reflected in the lower
illegitimate infant death rate recorded this year.
A further disturbing factor, linked with the current decline in moral
standards, is the increasing number of cases of venereal diseases. Up to
the time of the second world war, the incidence of venereal disease in
this country had steadily declined. During the war, as is usual in such
times, the number of cases rose considerably, but subsequently diminished
until about 1955. Since then there has been a continued yearly increase
in new cases.
Venereal diseases are not notifiable and the only statistical information
relating to London is that provided in the Annual Report of the Medical
Officer of Health of the London County Council. From this it has been
ascertained that the number of new cases of venereal disease treated
at out-patient clinics in the London area rose from 8,481 in 1955 to
18,156 in 1961.
Of 105 countries which made returns to the World Health Organisation
last year, 76 recorded a significant increase in the incidence of venereal
disease. The problem is not, therefore confined to this country alone.
This is a major, growing and serious problem, and it is to be hoped that
new suggestions for bringing the disease under control will result from
the study now being undertaken by the British Medical Association.
The welfare of old people has again received much attention and
support from the Health Department. The Day Club for Handicapped
Old People, opened by the Westminster Old People's Welfare Association
in 1961, has continued to flourish, and has brought much happiness to
some handicapped old people who would otherwise be confined to their
own homes.
As a result of the wind of change blowing in Africa it has been possible
to recruit to the staff several public health inspectors returning to this