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LQNDON COUNTY COUNOIL.
LONDON'S HEALTH IN 1950.
Preliminary report by the County Medical Officer
of Health, Sir Allen Daley, M.D., F.R.C.P.
VITAL STATISTICS.
Births after an estimated correction for residence numbered
54,100. The provisional birth rate for 1950 is 15.9.
There has been a progressive decline since 1947, as will be seen
from the following figures:—
1950 15.9
1949 16.7
1948 17.9
1947 20.9
1946 20.0
1945 15.7
1931-40 13.8
It is as yet too soon to suggest any level at which post-war
fertility may stabilise. (In 1922, four years after World War I,
the rate was 20.9, but by 1930, the rate had fallen to 15.8 and in
1939, the rate was 13.4.)
Deaths numbered 38,500 (after the actual registrations
have been adjusted by an estimated correction for residence).
The provisional death rate for 1950 is 11.3.
This compares with 1949
11.7
1948
11.1
1947
12.5
1946
12.6
1945
14.1
1931-40
12.7
Since the war the death rate has been declining, though
there have been fluctuations downward as in 1948 (a year of light
respiratory mortality) and upward as in 1949. The rate for 1950
is more in accordance with the general trend.
Infantile mortality-The provisional rate of infantile
mortality for 1950, is 25, per 1,000 live births. This, if confirmed,
is the lowest ever attained in London and compares with
1949 27
1948 31
1947 34
1946 38
1945 44
1931-40 60
The provisional neo-natal mortality (i.e., of children
under 4 weeks) was also a record, namely l6.5 per 1,000 live births
and compares with 1949 17.5
1948 17.5
1947 18.1
1946 22.2
1945 23.0
1931-40 24.0
Maternal mortality - The provisional rate is 0.56 per
1,000 live and still births. This also is a record. Comparable
figures are- 1949 0.69
1948 0.77
1947 1.00
1946 1.23
1945 1.89
1931-40 2.51
Epidemic diseasesMeasles
- incidence average; mortality low - only 6 deaths registered.
Whooping cough - Incidence average; mortality low - 30 deaths do.
P.T.O.