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3. Following the death of Miss A. M. B., a Coroner's Inquest
recorded an open verdict, and the only relative who could be
traced was a cousin who requested the Council to make the
funeral arrangements. In view of the amount of money in
the estate it was decided, with the approval of the deceased's
cousin, to arrange for the interment in a private grave. Pending
ing the winding up of the estate, the deceased's effects were
taken into store.
4. Following a post mortem on Mr. F. L., who died from
coronary thrombosis in a common lodging house in the
Borough, arrangements were made for his burial as no relatives
could be traced. Funeral expenses, less the sum of
£1 17s. 4d. found in the deceased's possession, were borne
by the Council.
5. As no relatives could be traced, funeral arrangements were
made for Miss A. O. who died on 6th December, 1955.
Costs incurred by the Council were met from the estate.
SECTION 47. Under this Section of the Act the Council may apply
to a Court for an Order for the removal to hospital, or other institution,
of a person who is aged, infirm or physically incapacitated,
who is living in insanitary conditions and who is "unable to devote
to himself, and is not receiving from other persons, proper care and
attention." In addition, the National Assistance (Amendment) Act
1951 empowers a magistrate to order the emergency removal of such
people to an institution for periods not exceeding three weeks on
certification by the Medical Officer of Health and a general practitioner.
Fifteen persons were regularly visited during the period but in
none of these cases was it considered that the use of powers under the
Act was advisable ; three cases in need of mental treatment, however,
were referred to the duly authorised officer appointed by the London
County Council and nine persons were persuaded, in their own
interests, to enter institutions voluntarily.
PUBLIC HEALTH (LONDON) ACT, 1936, SECTION 122
On a report by the Medical Officer of Health that the dirty condition
of personal effects is likely to spread infectious disease the
Council are authorised to remove and cleanse such articles.
During 1955 I visited the homes of 18 old persons who were
seriously ill, senile or incontinent and, in all these cases, I found there
was a considerable quantity of soiled bedding and personal clothing
which it was essential to have cleansed in the Disinfecting Station.
Where necessary, these articles have been collected at regular intervals,
cleansed and returned to the owners.