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This matter is dealt with by the Public Control Section of the Town Clerk's Department, but enquiries
with regard to apparatus, matters of technique, and the qualifications and suitability of the persons
employed at the premises are referred to the Medical Officer of Health for his observations. The number of
such enquiries referred to the Health Department during the year was 34 (50).
The establishments about which enquiries were made ranged from those premises giving facial beauty
treatment, general massage, and certain forms of electrical treatment, to those which provided Turkish and
sauna baths and chiropody. The basic objects of the legislation are to prevent immorality and to ensure that
persons employed to give other than non-remedial treatment can produce evidence that by examination or
experience they are suited to give such treatments. At the end of the year 261 (273) establishments were in
operation.
Betting Shops
These establishments are required to be licensed by the Betting Licensing Justices and applicants for
such licences must, by law, submit copies of their application to the Police and to the City Council in order
that, if necessary, these authorities may raise objection to the licence being granted. During the year under
review, eight applications for betting shops were referred to the Health Department for reports as to
suitability.
CORONER'S COURT AND MORTUARY
The Coroner's Court and Mortuary is situated in Horseferry Road, S.W.1.
The arrangements made by H.M. Coroner (Inner West London) for the reception at the mortuary of
bodies under his jurisdiction in the City of Westminster and from the Royal Borough of Kensington and
Chelsea continue to operate satisfactorily.
The Greater London Council (which is responsible for the provision of Coroner's Courts) contributes to
the City Council's costs in regard to the Coroner's accommodation, and the City Council has a financial
arrangement with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in respect of bodies from that borough
accommodated in the mortuary.
The staff comprises the Superintendent, a First Mortician, 3 Mortuary Assistants and 2 cleaners.
Details of the work of the Mortuary during the year are set out in Table 28, page 82.
BURIALS AND CREMATIONS ARRANGED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
Under the provisions of Section 50 of the National Assistance Act, 1948, it is the duty of the City
Council to cause to be buried or cremated the body of any person who has died or is found dead in its area
if no other arrangements have been made for the disposal of the body.
Where persons without known relatives die in the City, it is not only necessary to arrange their funeral,
but in certain cases to dispose of the contents of their homes. This is done in consultation with the Treasury
Solicitor. Such action is necessary to avoid rent accruing, to release accommodation for housing purposes as
early as possible and occasionally to enable the proceeds to be applied towards the cost of the funeral.