View report page

years. The number of notified cases of scarlet fever was above
the average but infection was of a mild character and no deaths
were recorded. An epidemic of measles occurred during the year
but the nature of the illness gave no cause for alarm and no deaths
following an attack of measles were recorded. Other infectious
diseases notified during the year such as food-poisonini (9) and
poliomyelitis (8) called for careful investigation and prompt
action by the public health department.
The tables shown in Part III of this Report give a clear
picture of the progress made in the improvement of housing conditions
including the welcome resumption of "clearance area" procedure;
and vigorous action to secure the repair of unfit and
insanitary houses under sections 9 and 10 of the Housing Act, 1936.
The Tottenham Corporation Act, 1952 will give additional powers
to the health department in accelerating procedure for the remedy
of urgent sanitary defects. Also new powers in combating atmospheric
pollution including the setting up of certain specified
areas as "smokeless zones".
Special consideration has been given during the year to the
subject of occupational health. A pilot survey of occupational
needs in factory premises has been carried out in active cooperation
with the Tottenham Chamber of Commerce and the management
of firms concerned. Its finding are included in the body of
this Report.
Mention too is made of the growth of the work of the Old
Peoples' Welfare Committee and its close link with the functions
of the Health Committee in relation to the local operation of
sections of the National Assistance Acts.
Again I take this opportunity of warmly thanking all members
of the Health Department for their excellent work during the year.
To the Chairman (Alderman R.H, Warren) and members of the
Health and Housing Committee I wish to express my appreciation of
their helpful support in a service of expanding functions and
interest.
I am,
Your obedient Servant,
G. HAMILTON HOGBEN,
Medical Officer of Health.
1st September, 1953-