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dential institutions to the best possible advantage. It is doubtful,
however, whether these changes will bring any relief to the confusion
and uneconomical expenditure of labour which now exist as
a result of the duplicated responsibilities of the London County
Council and the Metropolitan Borough Councils in relation to the
various public health activities other than those in connection
with residential institutions, unless the Minister of Health is requested
to make an Order transferring or delegating to the
Metropolitan Borough Councils some of the services now carried
out by the London County Council.
I am of opinion that the London County Council should be
given relief under Section 64 of the Act from the detailed administration
of the following health services, for example, which could
quite well be performed by Borough Councils, viz.:—
(a) Midwives Act, 1902 and 1918.
Midwives and Maternity Homes Act, 1926.
(b) Children's Act, 1908, Part I.
(c) Adoption of Children Act, 1926, Section 8.
(d) Nursing Homes (Registration) Act, 1927.
It is only by a distribution of such functions and the removal
of the difficulties which arise from duplication and dual responsibility
that health administration in the Metropolis can become
efficient, elastic and capable of the fullest development.
In conclusion, I again desire to express thanks to every one
of my staff for their loyalty to me and for the assistance so readily
given at all times. To the Chairmen of the various Committees
of the Council I am also indebted for the consideration and
support which has been extended to me during the year.
I am, Mr. Mayor, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Your obedient Servant,
H. W. BARNES,
Medical Officer of Health.