View report page

100
To investigate charges of malpractice, negligence, or misconduct on the part of any
midwife practising within their area, and should a prima facie case be established, to
report the same to the Central Midwives Board.
To suspend any midwife from practice, in accordance with the rules under the Act,
if such suspension appears necessary in order to prevent the spread of infection.
To report at once to the Central Midwives Board the name of any midwife practising
in their area convicted of an offence.
During the month of January of each year to supply to the secretary of the Central
Midwives Board the names and addresses of all midwives who, during the preceding
year, have notified their intention to practise within their area, and to keep a current
copy of the roll of midwives, accessible at all reasonable times for public inspection.
To report at once to the Central Midwives Board the death of any midwife, or any
change in the name or address of any midwife in their area, so that the necessary
alteration may be made in the roll.
The County Council may delegate their powers to the Metropolitan Borough Councils.
The number of persons who described themselves as midwives at the Census of 1901 was 364.
(b) The Cremation Act. This Act empowers burial authorities to provide and maintain
crematoria, and empowers the Secretary of State to make regulations prescribing in what cases and
under what conditions cremation may take place.
Sanitary Inspectors.
In a return appended to this report will be found particulars of the number of sanitary inspectors
appointed in the several sanitary areas of London, and of the manner of their employment.
(See Appendix VI.) Since the previous return in 1901 there was an increase of 26 inspectors, nine
of whom were females. Thus in the return which relates to the beginning of 1903, there were 281
male inspectors and 21 female inspectors in London.

To the London County Council.
Shirley F. Murphy,
Medical Officer of Health.
December, 1903.