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9
districts since the ages of populations vary. When corrected the
rate is 9.68 per thousand which compares favourably with the rate
for the whole country.
The Infant Mortality Rate is the lowest ever recorded and
appreciably lower than that for the administrative County of
London.
Each of the 12 infant deaths was carefully investigated with
a view to ascertaining what preventive measures could help to
reduce the incidence in future. From the table it will be seen that
8 of the deaths were due to congenital debility or malformation.
Of the 4 remaining deaths two were twin babies who contracted
gastro-enteritis, another suffered from whooping cough complicated
by broncho-pneumonia and the fourth was a premature baby who
suffered from pneumonia. 11 of the deaths occurred in institutions
and only one in a dwelling house.
The death rate from tuberculosis is 0.47 per thousand compared
with 0.49 in the previous year. The reduction, however, has not
kept pace with that for London or the country as a whole. The
reason for this is not clear but the Register is undergoing close
scrutiny at the present time with a view to ensuring that no names
remain on it which should have been removed.
Later in the report, under Section F, it will be seen that the
actual number of new cases of tuberculosis notified was considerably
less than in 1949. This is perhaps a better indication of the progress
of the disease than the number of deaths.
Whooping Cough and poliomyelitis each caused two deaths
hut the actual incidence of these diseases compares favourably with
other parts of the country.
It is satisfactory to note that there was not a single case of
typhoid or paratyphoid fever or diphtheria and that there was no
case of puerperal fever and no maternal death.
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Section 47—Removal to suitable premises of persons in need of care
and attention.
In one case action was commenced by the Council under this
Section of the Act.