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15
NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Removal to suitable premises of persons in need of care and
attention.
The above Act came into operation on the 5th July, 1948.
Section 47 provides that the Local Authority shall be
responsible for the removal to suitable premises of persons
who are suffering from a grave chronic disease or being aged,
infirm or physically incapacitated, who are living in insanitary
conditions and who are unable to devote to themselves and
are not receiving from other persons, proper care and attention.
It has been found necessary on one occasion only to apply to
the Court for an Order under this section. The case was that
of an old lady who was infirm, living in insanitary conditions
and was unable to devote to herself, and was not receiving
from other persons, proper care and attention.
Enquiry and consideration showed that, in her interest and
for preventing injury to the health of others, she should be
removed from the premises in which she was residing.
An Order was obtained from the West London Magistrates
Court for her removal to and detention in Fulham Hospital
for a period of three months.
Burial or cremation of the dead
It is provided that the Local Authority shall arrange burial
or cremation in the case of any person who has died or been
found dead in the Borough, in any case where it appears to the
authority that no suitable funeral arrangements have been
or are b.eing made.
The Council may recover from the estate of the deceased
person or from any person who for the purposes of this Act was
liable to maintain the deceased person immediately before his
death, expenses incurred for the burial or cremation.
Up to the end of the year forty–four burials and one
cremation have been carried out in Hammersmith at a total
cost of £269 2s. 6d. Of this amount, £26 18s. has been
recovered. In one case re imbursement is being made by
instalments