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The local authority may then apply to a court of summary jurisdiction
for an order for the removal of the person to a suitable hospital or other
place in, or within convenient distance of, the area of the local authority
and for his detention and maintenance therein.
Several possible cases were investigated during the year but in no
instance was it necessary to apply to the court for an order for compulsory
removal.
National Assistance Act, 1948—section 50
Under section 50 of the above Act, it is the duty of the local authority
to arrange for the burial or cremation of the body of any person who has
died or been found dead in their area if it appears that no suitable
arrangements for the disposal of the body have or are being made.
The local authority can recover expenses incurred from the estate
of the deceased person or from any person liable to maintain the
deceased person immediately before his death. The recovery of expenses
is subject to any payment received by the authority from the Ministry
of National Insurance under the National Insurance Act, 1946.
During the year the Council accepted responsibility for the burial
of 7 persons, at a net cost of £A\ 0s. 6d.
Public Mortuary and Coroner's Court
The premises are situated in Ladywell Road and comprise a court
room, witness room, Coroner's office, caretaker's apartments and
mortuary.
The number of bodies taken to the mortuary during the year was
575, of which 255 were received from hospitals. 575 postmortem
examinations were made and inquests were held in 108 cases.