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annual report of the medical officer of
health for the year 1921.
To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Aldermen and Commons of the
Corporation of London.
Public Health Department,
Guildhall, E.C.
16th March, 1922.
My Lord Mayor and Gentlemen,
I beg to present herewith the report of the Medical Officer of Health for the
Corporation of the City of London for the year 1921.
INTRODUCTORY.
In my last report I drew attention to the fact that the statistics for the year
were probably inaccurate and this presumption was proved to be well founded by
the returns of the Census which was taken on the evening 19th /20th June in that
year. The estimated population in 1920 was taken as 12,000, but the Census
showed that the actual population for 1921 was 13,706 of which 6,716 were males
and 6,990 females, a decrease in 1921 compared with 1911 of 5,951, the ratio of the
populations being 70 to 100. Some time will elapse before an analysis of the figures
is available.
The present report contains an account of the activities of the Health Department
during 1921. On certain occasions careful consideration has been given as to
future lines of action and I would refer you to the difficult subject of the lighting
and means of ventilation of basement workrooms (p. 72) ; the use of public
conveniences where there is an absence of sufficient or separate water closet accommodation
in business premises (p. 70). These two reports have been prepared
by Mr. Fowler.
The question of the hygiene of kitchens has received attention by Mr. Gathercole
and the work of rat repression has been conducted by Mr. Mayne. In both
these instances the inspectors concerned have given me considerable assistance
in the preparation of my report (p.p. 75 and 82).
I also desire to direct your attention to the report on the disposal of unsound
food products (p. 45), in which a description of the premises erected by the
Smithfield Animal Products Company, Ltd., is set out.
An interesting report is also presented by Mr. Kelland on meat inspection
work in Australia and New Zealand (p. 34). Mr. Kelland was granted leave of
absence for six months on account of illness and proceeded on a journey to these
countries. He used his period of leave to inspect the various meat centres which
were on the route of his travels.
During the year some further progress has been made in connection with the
Hutchison Street area. The Ministry of Health have now intimated approval of
the declaration of this area as insanitary and a draft of the proposed scheme has
been submitted for the consideration of the Court. In addition a small area known
as the Vine Street Minories Area has been reported upon and progress is being
made in this connection.
Improvements have been found necessary at the Centre for the treatment of
venereal disease but owing to reasons of economy it is not considered desirable to
proceed with the work of extension, but rather to carry on with existing
facilities until the financial position of the country is less acute.
In all directions due regard is being paid to financial circumstances and no new
expense is being incurred except in connection with matters of real urgency or need.
AREA.
The City of London Registration District comprises an area of 678 acres
(excluding tidal water and foreshore), or 1.051 square miles, equal to a square of
1 0252 miles to a side.
The area of " Registration London " is 74,817 acres (excluding tidal water and
foreshore), or 116.9 square miles, equal to a square of 1081 miles to a side.
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