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20
RAG FLOCK ACT.—Four (4) premises where filling material was
being used were on the register at the end of the year. There are
no premises in the Borough where rag flock is manufactured or
stored. One (2) sample was taken, which was satisfactory.
PHARMACY AND POISONS ACTS.—At the end of the year the
register contained the names of 111 (111) persons entitled to sell
the poisons scheduled in Part II of the Poisons List.
DRAINAGE RECONSTRUCTION PLANS.—During the year
166 (189) plans were deposited for drainage work in existing
buildings. Prosecutions in connection with drainage work are
reported under "Legal Proceedings."
COMMON LODGING HOUSES.—There is one common lodging
house in the Borough which provides fifty-nine beds for women.
WATER SUPPLY.—All drinking water in the Borough is supplied
from the Metropolitan Water Board's mains and has been satisfactory.
One (2) water supply certificate was issued under the
Public Health (London) Act, 1936.
CARE OF THE AGED
General.—This national problem continues to be reflected locally
in Paddington and there has been a heavy demand for the assistance
of the Council's officers during the past year. As the immensity of
this problem becomes apparent it is obvious that an increasing
proportion of the national resources will have to be devoted towards
the alleviation of distress among the aged. The problem is to some
extent aggravated by the advance of medical science which continues
to prolong the expectation of life.
The problem presents a challenge to local authorities which
must be taken up with increased determination to help old people
lead a happy life. The request for help received is in respect of old
people who may be broadly grouped into three categories.
(a) Those who, at a comparatively early age, require help
because of some chronic ailment, e.g., arthritis, heart trouble, etc.,
and who need assistance with housework, shopping, etc.
(b) Those who up to an advanced age are able to look after
themselves but then become senile, and, owing to modern medical
attention, survive for some considerable time—it has been called
medical survival. This section needs similar attention as at (a).
(c) A large group who are fit and capable of looking after
themselves but who are lonely, and feel they have no place in society.
Broadly speaking groups (a) and (b) are helped by the Council's
services in co-operation with the London County Council, the
District Nursing Association, W.V.S., etc.; and group (c) by the
Paddington Old People's Welfare Committee and other voluntary
organisations.