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V
clubs associated therewith, play an important part in preventing old
people becoming withdrawn and housebound, and by the provision of meals
on wheels, for example, in easing the lot of those who unfortunately for
a variety of reasons have become confined to their homes.
Quite apart from other considerations, the provisions of Section
47 of the National Assistance Act 1948, as well as of the National
Assistance (Amendment) Act 1951, which devolve on the Borough Council,
make it imperative for that Authority and its officers to have particular
regard to the conditions under which this section of the
elderly are living, and to the services which not only they themselves,
but the other Authorities concerned, are providing for their amelioration.
Ascertainment and subsequent frequent and regular visitation are
necessary measures for the well-being of the more infirm elderly and
to ensure that action under this legislation is reduced to the minimum.
A great deal of visiting is already undertaken by Miss Beer and her
staff, by voluntary workers, and by officers of the London County
Council and of this Authority. Nevertheless there is undoubted scope
for visitation, which can be time consuming, to be extended, and one
must support the eloauent plea, contained in Miss Beer's report, for
more visitors to join in this work.
Housing
By the end of the year under review representations had been
received by the Council with regard to the entire slum clearance
programme for the five years 1956 to 1960. In addition, in order to
synchronise with new properties becoming available for occupation, an
appreciable number of individual unfit houses had been dealt with.
Once more a great deal of detailed consideration was given to applications
for priority for rehousing on medical grounds. Many of these
cases presented urgent problems but unfortunately only a few cases
could be rehoused. Many cases of legal overcrowding, with all that
this entails in hardship to the parents, and danger to the health of
children, came to notice and here again little effective action could
be taken. It is clear that in a Borough of this character, despite the
large estates which have been built both by this Council and the London
County Council, housing continues to be the most urgent social problem.
Similarly, although a large number of single roomed flats suitable for
old people have been constructed a great deal more are still required.
Too many of the elderly are house bound because of stairs. Many of
those in so called ground floor accommodation must negotiate a steep
flight of steps to the toilet or to the street.
Medical Examination of Immigrants
In June 1959, the Public Health Committee, concerned that,
although the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis was known to be high