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23
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Section 47.
The conditions under which several persons, alleged to be in
need of care and attention were living came under investigation
during the year. In certain of these cases, it was possible, in
collaboration with other interested parties, to effect some amelioration
of their unhappy circumstances. In no case was it necessary
to apply to the Court for an order for compulsory removal.
Section 50.
This section of the Act places a duty on 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. Expenses incurred by the local authority may be
recovered from the estate of the deceased person, or from any
person liable to maintain the deceased person, immediately prior
to his death.
During the year the Council arranged for the burial of four
persons under this section of the Act, a greater number than in any
previous year.
PUBLIC MORTUARY.
The public mortuary is situate at Beaverwood Road,
Chislehurst, and during the year 136 bodies were taken there. Of
this number, 58 were received from hospitals. Inquests were held
in 25 cases. These figures show a slight reduction on the previous
year, but are greatly in excess of those recorded a few years ago.
HOSPITAL SERVICES.
Cray Valley Hospital.

Queen Mary's Hospital.