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tions, whose duties would include case-work with individual old people
and the co-ordination of services provided by the various statutory
authorities for the welfare of old people; duties which were formerly
carried out by a Public Health Inspector on the City Council's staff.
The Council reimburses the Association annually the salary and expenses
of the appointment, with the consent of the Minister of Housing and
Local Government, under Section 136 of the Local Government Act,
1948.
British Red Cross Society—Mobile Meals Service.
The Westminster Division of the British Red Cross Society has
continued the service which it established in the City in 1945 for the
delivery to their homes of hot mid-day meals to aged people who are
unable themselves to prepare meals at home.
The service is operated with two vans provided by the City Council
and loaned to the Society. The Council also makes an annual grant to
the Society of 75 per cent. of the running costs of the vans.
The meals are obtained from a firm of caterers, and are placed in
individual containers and kept in heated chambers on the vans until
delivered at the homes of the old people. The meals cost Is. 6d. each,
and consist of meat, two vegetables and a sweet, or lighter diets for those
requiring them. The old people pay 8d. for the meal and the London
County Council bear the difference of 10d.
Some 14,311 meals were delivered by this service during the year,
with the assistance of the Society's voluntary workers. This invaluable
help is very much appreciated by all concerned.
Luncheon Club for Aged Persons.
The Society, in March, 1957, opened a luncheon club for the elderly
in accommodation on one of the Council's Housing Estates. The Club,
which operates on two days each week, has proved a convenient centre
where aged persons who are not housebound can have a hot meal at a
modest price, and enjoy the company of others. The meals are purchased
by the Society from the caterers who supply the meals for the mobile
service, and are conveyed in insulated containers to the club, where
they are served out by voluntary workers.
The meals cost Is. 6d. each and the old people pay 8d. and the London
County Council pay the balance of lOrf. per meal.
The Club attracts between 30 and 40 people each day.
The City Council make a grant to the Society of 75 per cent, of the
cost of running the club as well as bearing the cost of equipment.
Aged Persons in Need of Care and Attention.
Under the provisions of the National Assistance Acts, a Medical
Officer of Health is empowered to apply to the Courts for an order for
the compulsory removal to a hospital or other suitable place, of persons