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4
of the team which produced and maintained the services so beneficial to the Borough.
The London County Council took over with the advantage of a tradition, and, as
goodwill, the efficiency and loyalty of the transferred officers. The smoothness
of the transfer was evident from the fact that very few of the public were aware
of the actual changeover—this surely being a gratifying result of the months of
preliminary planning and co-operation of the personnel of all authorities.
During the year, the Council gave a great deal of attention to the post-war
housing problem and much progress was made. It is certainly gratifying to feel
that Woolwich leads London Boroughs in the provision of post-war housing accommodation.
Rehousing was, however, primarily concerned with overcrowding and an
equally serious problem of clearance areas still remains. Certain Government
restrictions were relaxed regarding building licences, and the supply of building
materials was somewhat easier. This enabled sanitary inspectors, in spite of this
and other difficulties such as the effect of lack of proper maintenance during the war
years on the older houses, to maintain a fairly reasonable standard of housing fitness.
In accordance with the scheme agreed between the London County Council
and the Metropolitan Boroughs' Standing Joint Committee, the Council agreed that
I should co-operate with the Local Health Authority in the day-to-day administration
of their personal health services.
At the request of the S.E. Metropolitan Regional Hospital Board, the administration
of the Tuberculosis Service was carried on on an Agency basis from the
Appointed Day to the end of March, 1949.
I desire specially to acknowledge the continued confidence and support which
I have received from the Council. I take this opportunity also of thanking every
member of the staff for the valuable work they have done during the year and for
the help they have given me personally.
I am,
Mr. Mayor Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant, .
T. STANDRING,
Medical Officer of Health.