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received was 40, compared with 49. There were 7 cases of smallpox. Measles, which
is not a notifiable disease, was present in epidemic form and 3,135 cases were
discovered.
The number of primary cases of Tuberculosis coming to the knowledge of the
Department during the year was 294 (305 in 1931). At the end of the year there
were 813 cases of pulmonary and 217 cases of non-pulmonary tuberculosis, making a
total of 1,030 (1,208 cases in 1931) known to be living in the Borough. The deaths
from tuberculosis numbered 154 (168 in 1931).
How carefully and conscientiously the work of the Sanitary Inspectors has been
carried out can be realised by perusing those parts of the report which deal with
sanitary inspection of the area, infectious diseases, inspection and supervision of the
food supplies, and housing. It is pleasing to record once again that during the year
additional professional qualifications were obtained by the following Inspectors:—
Laboratory Technique of Meat Inspection, Smithfeld—
F. A. Andrew, F. Hemingway.
Meat Certificate of the Royal Sanitary Institute—
F. J. Hoines.
The problem of bug-infested houses has received much attention during the year
and the disinfection section of the Department has been reorganised to deal with it.
A scheme for providing for more co-operation between owners of bug-infested houses
and the Council has also been put into operation. The scheme is fully described in
the Housing Section of the report. Disinfestation is a public health problem of the
greatest importance at the present day in view of the widespread prevalence of the
pest and its effect upon the health and comfort of the individual. There is no actual
proof that it spreads disease, at any rate in this country, but it irritates individuals
in greater or less degree, it feeds on them, it disturbs their rest and sleep, it gives rise
to an offensive odour and disfigures the walls and ceilings of their dwellings. Its
effects on individuals are more serious in the case of children.
The powers of local authorities in the Metropolis in dealing with the supervision
of food supplies and food premises were strengthened by two clauses in the London
County Council (General Powers) Act, 1932. The first enables Metropolitan Boroughs
to register, refuse to register, or to remove from the register, premises where preserved,
pickled, potted and pressed meat and fish are prepared, and where ice-cream is made,
stored or sold. The second empowers the County Council to make bye-laws for
dealing with the handling and transport of food.
The Council during the year acquired land measuring about 27 acres for a burial
ground for Eltham. The land is situated on the southern slopes of Shooters Hill
and includes about seven acres of woodland, where it will be possible to provide
facilities for cremation. The history of the growth of cremation in this country is