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62
The medical evidence showed that the cause of death was
Silicosis in these two cases, and a third death, that of a young female
worker aged 24 years, which was investigated by the Coroner in
January, 1929, was also due to Silicosis. In the latter case there
was evidence in addition of early tuberculosis.
These cases are of special interest owing to the fact that the
victims were of adolescent age, and in only one of the three cases
was there post-mortem evidence, and that to a slight degree, of
concurrent tuberculosis.
It was also shown that within the preceding three years the
deaths had occurred of four other persons working in this factory, one
male, aged 44, and three females, aged .16, 17 and 19 years respectively,
death in each case having been certified as being due to
Tuberculosis.
A report on this subject will be found in the Appendix, vide
pages 131-3.
Removal of the Aged and Infirm.
Power is given by the London County Council (General Powers)
Act, 1928, for the removal to a suitable Institution of aged, infirm
or physically incapacitated persons or those suffering from any
grave, chronic disease and unable to devote to themselves or to
receive from persons with whom they reside, proper care and attention.
These powers, although useful, will probably be found
administratively difficult to enforce, because of the restrictions
imposed giving rise to risk of delay in the removal to Hospital or
other suitable environment.
Bacteriological Examinations.
During 1928 the number of bacteriological examinations of
specimens sent in by medical practitioners practising in Battersea
was 3,140. This number is exclusive of the Tuberculosis specimens,
the examination of which was carried out at the Tuberculosis
Dispensary.

The cost of these examinations amounted to £408 16s. 8d.,
and is borne by the Council.