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children is generally due to the bovine type of bacillus, and, consequently, the
death-rate of children under five from this variety of tuberculosis forms a reliable
index of the varying extent to which human tuberculosis of bovine origin is prevalent
in different areas at various periods. The statistics show that the death-rate per
million from this source in London decreased progressively from 136 in 1921 to 6 in
1944, whereas the decrease in rural areas was from 252 in 1921 to 60 in 1944.
Both in London and elsewhere, there has been a progressive improvement,
which probably corresponds with the increase in and greater efficiency of heat
treatment, and it is significant that in London, where all but about one per cent.
of milk is now heat treated or pasteurised, and despite the extensive infection of
the raw milk due to bulking, the death-rate in 1944 was only one tenth of that in
rural areas, where heat treatment is not so extensively carried out. The relative
accuracy of death certification in the areas compared must, however, be borne in
mind.
Venereal diseases
The work of the clinics included in the London and Home Counties Scheme
for the free diagnosis and treatment of venereal diseases has been carried on throughout
the year, and full facilities have been provided.
Work
carried out at
the clinics