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(iii) that effective action is taken to control rats and
mice in all surface properties to which directions
given under the Infestation Order, 1943, apply.
The expenditure ranking for grant is that incurred on:-
(i) administration and execution of the conditions set
out in paragraph (i) above;
(ii) treatment of sewers, refuse destructors and dumps
and other local authority properties;
(iii) treatment of private dwellings, after deduction of
receipts, if any, from occupiers for work done by
the Council; and
(iv) such other expenditure as the Ministry may approve.
No grant aid will be given in respect of expenditure on the
treatment of infestations at commercial or industrial premises,
the intention of the Ministry being that such expenditure shall
be fully recovered from the occupiers and should not fall on
public funds.
Public Mortuary
The number of bodies taken to the mortuary during the
year was 430. Inquests were held in 100 cases.
Chapel of Rest, Avondale Park
This chapel was used during the year for the temporary
reception of deceased persons pending burial on two occasions
only. Owing to the growth of other facilities for the
temporary reception of deceased persons in recent years,
there has been a rapidly diminishing demand for the service
provided by the Council at the Chapel of Rest. The Council
have therefore decided to close this chapel, and at the
present time consideration is being given to plans for the
conversion of the building into a branch public library.
Burial of the Dead
Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, imposes
on the Council the duty to arrange for the burial or cremation
of any person who dies or is found dead within the borough,
where no suitable private arrangements are made for the
disposal of the remains.
This section came into force on 5th July, 1948, and the
Council authorised the Medical Officer of Health to make
arrangements for the burial of any person to whom it applies.
This work was previously carried out by the London County
Council through their public assistance officers.
Arrangements were made to use the same contractors as were
used by the County Council. The cost of the funeral varies
according to the circumstances of death and the age of the
deceased person, but the maximum charge is £10. Is. Od.,
including the fee for interment in a common grave at the
Council'8 Cemetery at Gunnersbury. The expenses may be
recovered from the estate of the deceased person or from any
person liable for his maintenance at the time of death, except
in so far as the expenses can be recouped from death grants
payable under the National Insurance Act, 1946. (Death grants
are not payable in any circumstances until after the
5th July, 1949.)