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dwellings, compared with 3.472 households in Bromley and 971
households in Orpington. 9.9% of Chislehurst and Sidcup population
are under five years of age, compared with 8% in Bromley
and 6% in Orpington. At the other end of the age scale. Chislehurst
and Sidcup have 8.1% over 65 years, Bromley 12.6% and
Orpington 10.4%.
All these statistics are of value, especially when comparing the
sickness rates and death rates of one authority with another ; they
are also of importance in indicating the extent and direction in
which social and health services are needed.
Further delving into the 1951 census shows that in Chislehurst
and Sidcup, there are 2,202 households without a fixed bath,
161 without a piped water supply in the dwelling. 164 without a
cooking stove, and 263 without a kitchen sink. These figures are,
however, to be taken with some reserve, as they are liable to the
human error of interpretation in the compilation of the census
papers.
1953. from the Public Health viewpoint, was uneventful and
the body of the report will indicate the work that has been carried
out by the Department. The Chief Sanitary Inspector. Mr.
A. V. B. Allen, is happily back after a prolonged period of illness.
Mr. Watling. the Chief Clerk in the Department since June, 1946.
and who had done so much voluntary Red Cross work in the
district, died on the 22nd January, 1954.
I would commend to the Council all the members of the
Health Department who have carried the task so ably during a
difficult staffing year. I would express my personal indebtedness
to the local authority for being so patient with me in my
endeavours to advise them over the past six years.
I am.
Your obedient Servant.
K. E. TAPPER,
MAY, 1954. Medical Officer of Health.