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35
Mortuary and Coroner's Court
Before the war both the Boroughs of Deptford and Greenwich maintained
their own mortuaries and coroner's courts. By arrangement, and
following war damage, the coroner's court at Deptford and the mortuary
at Greenwich have been closed. The mortuary at Watson Street, Deptford,
serves both the Boroughs as does the coroner's court at Greenwich.
The number of bodies received at the mortuary is, as a result of this
arrangement, approximately doubled. The number of bodies received
during 1949 was 557 and of these 119 were residents of Deptford.
National Assistance Act, 1948
Burial of the Dead
Under Section 50 of the above Act it is the duty of the Council to arrange
for the burial or cremation of any person who dies or is found dead within
the Borough, and where no private arrangements are made for the disposal
of the remains.
This Section came into being on the 5th July, 1948, and nine persons
were buried under the provisions of this Act during 1949.
Removal of Aged and Infirm Persons to Institutions
The power of the Council to remove aged, infirm or physically incapacitated
persons living in insanitary conditions and needing care and
attention was previously vested in the Public Health (London) Act. From
5th July, 1948, this power was revoked and re-enacted under Section 47 of
the National Assistance Act.
During 1949 it was not found necessary to take any action to remove
any such person.
Shops Act, 1934
In the course of their routine inspections the Sanitary Inspectors paid
attention to the ventilation and temperature of shops and the provision of
washing accommodation and sanitary conveniences.
Slaughter Houses
Two slaughter houses are licensed in this Borough but were not in use
during the year.
Swimming Baths
At the baths maintained by the Borough Council a chlorination plant is
installed and periodical sampling is conducted to ensure that a high standard
of water purity is maintained. Examinations show that the bacteriological
purity is normally similar to that of good drinking water.