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To the Mayor, Aldermen, and Councillors of the
Borough of Sutton and Cheam.
Mr. Mayor, Madam, and Gentlemen,
1 have the honour to present to you the Annual
Report for the year 1940.
The year under review will remain memorable for
the now historic " Battle of Britain " and for the
fortitude of our civil population under enemy bombing-.
The mode of life of the community had to be altered
to meet new conditions but, despite the lower hygienic
standards produced by the black-out and air-raid
protection, the mental and physical health of the
people remained good.
Opportunity for the spread of infections was
increased by the limitation of sleeping accommodation
in the homes. The policy of dispersal by the
provision of family shelters and the tendency for
people to prefer to remain in their own homes localised
the spread of infection. Life in public shelters was
on a small scale and there was no evidence of adverse
effect.
The fair distribution of available protective foods
under the rationing system and the preferential
consideration given to mothers and children in the
supply of milk were important factors in maintaining
nutritional standards and resistance to disease.
There was no increase in the incidence of infectious
diseases.
The death rate was higher at 11.5 per 1,000 of
population. The birth rate was lower at 13.4 per
1,000 of population. The maternal mortality and
infantile mortality rates were lower.
The sanitary circumstances of the area were
satisfactory and the sanitary work was efficiently
carried out under the direction of the Chief Sanitary
Inspector (Mr. C. W. Newbery). No serious dislocation
of the sanitary services resulted from enemy
action.
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