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was three, compared to 21 in 1955. There is a general decline in the
notified cases of infectious diseases and having seen the almost complete
elimination of Diphtheria it is hoped that similar success will be
obtained with the preventive measures against Whooping Cough. Scarlet
Fever is still with us in a mild form and sporadic cases of Food Poisoning,
Dysentery and Paratyphoid occur from time to time.
Tuberculosis.
For the second year it is gratifying to report that the incidence of
tuberculosis in all forms is the lowest ever recorded in Leyton.
National Assistance Act, 1948—Section 47.
No applications were made to a Court of Summary Jurisdiction for
orders under this section of the above Act during the year.
Visits were made to quite a number of cases where it was considered
that such action might be necessary ; however, with the co-operation of
the personal health services it was possible to keep the patients at home,
where, in all conscience, they are at least happier.
National Assistance Act, 1948—Section 50.
During the year arrangements were made for the carrying out of
nine burials under this section of the Act.
Mortuary Facilities.
The arrangements entered into between the Council and the Hospital
Management Committee (Leytonstone, No. 10, Hospital Group)
in September, 1949, for the provision of mortuary facilities at Whipps
Cross Hospital mortuary have continued during the year. Seventy
bodies were admitted, and a further 92 bodies were removed to Queen's
Road mortuary, Walthamstow, on the instructions of H.M. Coroner.
Scabies Clinic.
With the co-operation of Hackney Borough Council, facilities for
Leyton patients are made available at the Cleansing Centre, Millfields
Road, Hackney, and during the year 13 residents attended for treatment
and made 21 attendances.
Steam Disinfection of Bedding.
Following a report that the Steam Disinfestor at the Depot was
unserviceable, arrangements were made with Walthamstow Borough
Council for the disinfection of bedding to take place at the Walthamstow
Disinfecting Station on a financial agreement.
Dirty Premises.
Section 83, Public Health Act, 1936.—During the year a number
of cases were referred by the Public Health Inspectors, health visiting
staff and Domestic Help Organiser regarding premises which are filthy
within the meaning of the above Section of the Act.
In the main premises of this nature consist of one room occupied
by a sub-tenant who is aged and either "cannot be bothered" to keep
the premises clean or has a mania for storing old papers, rags and any
other old junk.
These are cases where there is no justification for a domestic help to
be in attendance and it is apparent that the Council will have to carry
out the cleaning in default. To do this it is evident that a tangible
reward should be made to the person who carries out such cleansing.
In two cases the work has been carried out in default and as the