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7
In November, 1936,1 presented a report dealing with the medical condition of toddlers
and as a result of your consideration of this report—which is reprinted verbatim on page
107—a toddlers' clinic was commenced in May, 1937.
Co-ordination of the work dealing with environmental conditions has been gradually
effected. An effort has been made to attack the problem of verminous houses and a scheme
has been in operation during nearly two years for the disinfestation of the contents of
verminous houses. This service is the prelude to a larger scheme for disinfestation and
disinfection ; this scheme has been considered on several occasions by the appropriate
committees.
The year under review was notable for the passing of several important measures;
those which mainly concern the metropolitan boroughs are the Public Health (London)
Act, 1936, and the Housing Act, 1936.
The population of the Borough, in common with that of most other metropolitan
boroughs, continues to decrease. Since slum clearance measures are now advancing, it is
probable that the population will continue to decrease until a new level is reached at the
termination of the housing programme. The decrease of the population is also accentuated
by the low birth rate. It is satisfactory to note that for the year 1936 this rate was slightly
higher than for the year 1935, but the increase was offset by a slight increase in the general
death rate. The increased general mortality was due to a large extent to diseases of the
respiratory system. Malignant disease, although important as a cause of death, was to a
certain extent held in check during 1936.
The death rate from tuberculosis showed a marked decline and the continued downward
trend of the incidence and mortality of this disease should be noted with satisfaction.
There has, however, been no marked improvement in the mortality from this disease in
young adults.
It is also a matter for satisfaction that there were no maternal deaths in the Borough
during 1936. The infant mortality rate showed an increase over the rate for 1935, but
this increase, as explained in the report, was in part due to the prevalence of acute respiratory
conditions and to measles.
Apart from these respiratory conditions and measles there were no noteworthy
outbreaks of infectious disease.
The continued existence of a number of underground bakehouses is an undesirable
condition which is difficult to deal with effectively. During the year under review I
carried out an investigation relative to these bakehouses and I presented to you a report,
which is reprinted on page 150. It is encouraging to note that this report was referred to
the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee, who received it sympathetically,
and that as a result of my suggestions it is probably that legislation will be introduced in
the near future to deal with the anomaly of bakehouses which were long ago certified as
being fit for use, and which at the present time cannot be removed from the register.