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the tank was subsequently demolished. In two others, they were
emptied and the rubbish removed. The fourth case was still outstanding at the end of the year. Five similar cases mentioned in the
Annual Report for 1949 as being outstanding at the end of that year
were also dealt with by the clearance of two tanks and the cleansing
of the other three.
Burial of Deceased Persons.
Under Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the
Council are responsible for the burial or cremation of the body of
any person dying or being found dead in the Borough, and have
power to recover from the estate of the deceased person, or from
any person who, under the Act, was liable to maintain the deceased
immediately prior to his death, their expenses incurred in carrying out
the duty, in so far as these expenses are not covered by any grant
made under the National Insurance Act, 1946.

The burials arranged by the Council are carried out by a local
undertaker under contract, and not more than one coach is provided
for followers. The Health Department make the arrangements and
collect all available information regarding any estate left by the
deceased, particulars of his National Insurance, and the existence of
any " liable" relatives. This information is passed to the Borough
Treasurer so that he may take steps to recover the cost.
The total cost incurred in dealing with the 21 cases was
£104 5s. 3d., of which £76 10s. 9d. had been recovered by the
end of the year.
Aged and Infirm Persons.
Under Section 47 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, the
Council are empowered to apply to a Court of Summary Jurisdiction
for an Order for the removal to a hospital or other suitable place
of any person who is aged or infirm or suffering from some grave
chronic disease, and is living under insanitary conditions. This power
is exercisable on the certificate of the Medical Officer of Health.
One such case was dealt with during the year. This was a
woman of 82 years of age, who lived in a three-roomed flat which she
shared with her sister, who was herself over 80 years of age and quite
incapable of looking after her sister. The only other relatives which
could be traced were two nieces, who were, however, unable to accept
any responsibility. The Order was duly made and the woman removed
to hospital.
A number of other cases of persons, mostly of advancing years,
alleged to be living under unsatisfactory conditions, were reported. In
none of these was there justification for certifying that an application
for an Order for removal be made. In some cases, however, it was
found possible to arrange voluntary admission to hospital, and other
cases were under observation at the end of the year.