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The Court Room is well equippred with adequate accommodation for Jury,
Press and public in addition to Counsel and Officials. Microphones are
provided for the Coroner and Witnesses with an amplifier to ensure that
all speech is clearly audible throughout the Court. Linked to this system
is a tape recorder for use by the Coroner. Offices are provided for the
Coroner and his officers with adequate waiting rooms and toilet facilities.
The public mortuary and post-mortem room are provided by the local authority
under Section 198 of the Public Health Act, 1936. There are two purpose
built refrigerators providing accommodation for eighteen bodies,which
are more than adequate to cover normal needs in the mortuary. A viewing
room is also provided where relatives through a specially designed glass
screen can view the deceased. This room is furnished with flowering plants
by the Parks Department.
The post-mortem room is equipped with four tables of special design incorporating
elbow operating taps and foot operated sluicing mechanisms with
drainage ducts that can readily be cleared. An independent gas boiler
provides very hot water to meet all requirements and an electrically
operated air conditioning unit ensures a satisfactory temperature both
summer and winter. Offices are provided for both the Pathologist and
Mortuary Superintendent with toilet facilities.
A reciprocal agreement operates with the neighbouring borough of Ealing
during the absence of either Superintendent due to leave or sickness.
Bodies are routed to the Acton mortuary or vice-versa and a nominal fee
of £2 per body is either received or paid.
During the year 734 bodies were received at the mortuary, a decrease of
41 over the previous year.

B. 47