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13
the problems of container traffic which is very relevant to our
entry into the Common Market and to the problems of turnover
and coding of foodstuffs.
Under Smoke Control, the continuing work of survey has
been kept up in spite of financial stringencies which of recent
years has delayed the final date of completion for the Borough so
that the year now is 1977. However, the highest priority has been
given to this work in the capital programme and now enough is
being accomplished to increase visibly the winter sunshine and to
benefit more and more the houses and gardens of the Borough.
The increasing involvement of the environmental section in
Housing Act Improvement work and the start that has been made
in survey of houses in multi-occupation are factors which must
later be taken into account in reviewing the manpower requirements
of this important section of the Department.
Care of Mothers and Young Children
As a measure of economy, the sale of proprietary foods
from Child Health Clinics was discontinued. The Report indicates
the downward trend of attendances at these clinics over the last
three years—a drop from 87,379 to 76, 172. It is hoped that this
reflects increasing establishment of child health sessions at general
practice premises. The considerable increase in child minding
and establishment of play groups in numbers is well shown and
the average places per person and per premises has decreased.
The marginal ups and downs of the cervical cytology campaign
continue; this year it will be noted there was an increase. This
situation must prevail while controversy on the value of this
screening method for well women in reducing cervical cancer
continues. Nevertheless, there is no controversy on its value in
reducing a great deal of ill-health.
The Authority introduced, through the Family Planning Association,
a scheme of financial assistance but it is too early to
assess how effective this service has been.
There can be no doubt of the value of screening for phenylketonuria
and a new test—the Guthrie test was introduced during
the year.
A pilot scheme for the attachment of a midwife to a group
of medical practitioners was commenced, and it is the Authority's
intention, if this scheme is successful, to attach all domiciliary
midwives to group practices or groups of practitioners throughout
the Borough.
Similarly, the Authority has favoured the more efficient use
of domiciliary midwives by encouraging schemes whereby they
can deliver selected cases in hospital and attend these "earlier
discharged" cases in their homes. This is part of unifying maternity