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6
in the two Acts differ. In the Mental Deficiency Act the lack of educability
has to be a permanent one; (3) yet the certificate has to be given under the
Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, and not under the Education Act, 1921; (4)
the certificate, although given under the Mental Deficiency Act, 1913, is not
allowed to be in force after the age of 16.
In 1941 the Board of Education appreciated these difficulties and
prescribed a separate form for certification of children mentally defective
within the meaning of the Education Act.
Miss I. Millar, the Matron of the Isolation Hospital, retired in August,
1943, after giving the Council the benefit of an additional year beyond her
pensionable period. The invaluable work which Miss Millar did at the
Isolation Hospital is well known to the members of the Council as well as
to many hundreds of the Ilford ratepayers.
The war-time Nurseries have been carrying out their work efficiently,
but it will be seen from the Report that the anticipated incidence of so-called
minor infectious disease has not been absent.
The School Camps also have not been free from the risks of epidemics.
It will be seen from the Report how these have been dealt with, and I must
express my appreciation to Professor Wilson of the great assistance which
he has rendered in the bacteriological examinations required.
The Clerical Staff of the Department has been depleted by 12 of its
members who have gone into His Majesty's Service, 3 of whom have lost
their lives. The resulting increase of work which has fallen upon those
remaining has been carried out as is shown by this Report with the utmost
industry and efficiency.
I have again to thank the members of the Council for their continued
support, and I have the honour to be,
Your obedient Servant,
A. H. G. BURTON,
Medical Officer of Health.