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32
The total number of meals supplied by all these sources to elderly
people in Westminster during 1962 was therefore as follows:-
Delivered by the Mobile Meals Service 19,626
Westminster Old People's Welfare Association Day Club
(four/five days per week) 5,458
British Red Cross Society Luncheon Club (two days per
week) 2,520
Total 27,604
Invalid Meals Service
Section 69 of the London County Council (General Powers) Act, 1961,
enables Metropolitan Borough Councils to operate an invalid meals
service, or to employ any voluntary organisation providing invalid meals
as an agent for the purpose, and to make charges (if any) to persons
availing themselves of the service. Councils may combine in providing
such a service.
The City Council's powers under this section were delegated to the
Public Health Committee.
An Invalid Meals Service has never operated in Westminster and the
precise extent of the need which may exist is not known. From experience
in other London Boroughs, however, it would appear that the majority
of meals being supplied are, in fact, ordinary meals comparable with those
being distributed to old people by the Meals on Wheels service, but which
are delivered to younger persons who are sick in their own homes.
It would also appear that the number of persons requiring special diets,
for which the services of a qualified dietician would be required, is very
small.
The long-term solution to this problem would be the establishment of
a comprehensive domiciliary meals service, which would be available,
for long or short periods as need arose, to those requiring special diets,
and to young invalids and convalescents, as well as to the frail elderly.
Until such a comprehensive service can be provided, arrangements
have been made for the existing " Meals on Wheels " service to be extended
to include young persons who are sick in their own homes.
National Assistance Act, 1948 (Amendment) Act, 1962
Section 31 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, empowers local
authorities (including the City Council) to make contributions to the funds
of any voluntary organisation whose activities consist in or include the
provision of recreation or meals for old people.
The National Assistance Act, 1948 (Amendment) Act, 1962 (which
originated as a private Member's Bill) replaces Section 31 of the National