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In one case, an Order was obtained from the West London
Magistrates' Court for the patient's removal to and detention
in an Institution for a period of three months, which was
extended for a further period of three months.
In the other four cases, Orders were obtained from the West
London Magistrates' Court for their removal to and detention
in various Hospitals for a period of three months. Two of the
cases died whilst in hospital. The condition of the other two
cases so improved—no further nursing was considered
necessary—that a variation of the Court Orders was obtained
for their removal to and detention in an Institution for a
period of three months, which was further extended for
periods of three months.
Fifty-five other cases, all elderly persons, alleged to be
living without proper care and attention, were reported, but
in no case was it found necessary to take legal action to
enforce removal to hospital. In sixteen cases, however, it was
possible to arrange voluntary admission to hospital.
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 being 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 twenty-two burials have been
carried out in Hammersmith at a total cost of £199 18s. Of
this amount, £73 2s. 7d. has been recovered.
FOOD AND DRUGS ACT, 1938.
Meat and other Foods.
Two seizures of unsound food were made under Section 10
of the Act. The commodities were bread and a meat pie, and
in each case they were taken before magistrates who ordered the
destruction of the foodstuffs as being unfit for human consumption.
Quantites of unsound food were also voluntarily surrendered
during the year (see list in Statistical Supplement).
Shops, stalls, vehicles and premises where food intended for
human consumption is prepared, stored, etc., were subjected
to routine inspection throughout the year.