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8
The vital statistics for 1963 are summarised on page 15 of this Report
and show minor changes compared with the previous year. The number
of live births increased by 28, whereas deaths increased by 18; there
were seven fewer illegitimate births. Fortunately, there were no maternal
deaths. The death rate of infants under one year shows some improvement,
but the numbers from which these rates are computed are so small
that fluctuations will occur from time to time.
Turning to the analysis of causes of death in the City during 1963
(pages 18-22) it is of interest to note that the largest single cause of death
was Coronary Disease and Angina, which accounted for 214 deaths out
of a total of 1,054 (20.3 per cent.). The second largest single cause of
death was carcinoma of the lung and bronchus in males (50 deaths,
4.7 per cent.).
A further matter of some concern is the number of suicides which
occurred in Westminster during 1963—a total of 34, evenly divided
between males and females. This is the highest number of suicides
recorded in Westminster since 1934 when the total reached 37.
I have again included in the Report the adjusted Birth and Death
Rates. These adjusted rates can be compared directly with similarly
adjusted rates for other districts, and with those for England and Wales
as a whole.
During 1963 there were no serious outbreaks of infectious diseases in
Westminster. The outbreak of typhoid fever in Zermatt, Switzerland,
caused some concern and created additional work for your officers in
tracing direct contacts and taking the necessary preventive measures;
fortunately, no secondary case of this disease occurred.
At the beginning of 1963 the establishment of public health inspectors
was up to full strength for the first time since 1956. Unfortunately, this
happy state of affairs was shortlived and the customary turnover of
inspectors was resumed later in the year.
In April, 1963, the establishment of inspectors was increased by
four posts, to assist in work connected with the Offices, Shops and
Railway Premises Act, 1963, reference to which is made later in this
introduction. During the period March 1963-July, 1964, no fewer than
12 public health inspectors left the Council's service, one on retirement,
but the others to take up positions with other authorities nearer their
homes, or with Councils who offered the added inducements of higher
grades, housing or car allowances. Although thirteen inspectors were
recruited during this period, the constant changes and consequent lack of
continuity in the work are reflected in some of the statistics contained in
this Report. There were also frequent changes in the clerical staff,
resulting in senior members having to spend much time training newcomers
in their duties. This difficulty is not confined to Westminster
alone but is common throughout London at the present time.