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19
tion), and the Solicitor, in certain cases, takes steps to enforce payment of arrears.
(For particulars as to collection of contributions, see p. 24.)
4. On 31st December, 1923, the staff authorised for employment in the Mental
Hospitals Department entirely upon work connected with the administration of
the Mental Deficiency Act was:—1 senior assistant; 1 assistant, first class; 4
assistants, second class (one vacancy, filled by a temporary clerk); 2 assistants,
general grade; 2 assistants, minor establishment (one vacancy, filled by a temporary
clerk); 2 enquiry officers (non-pensionable). The need for the second of the enquiry
officers arose from a considerable increase in the number of cases in which orders
to contribute had been obtained. He commenced duty on 25th June, 1923. In
the Public Health Department at the same date the staff engaged entirely for work
under the Act was 3 women inspectors (2 employed temporarily).
Staff
employed for
central
administration.
Ascertainment.
5. The Council's duty to ascertain what persons in London are defectives
within the meaning of the Act and are subject to be dealt with under the Act has
been discharged as fully as possible. Restrictions continue to be imposed by the
Board of Control whereby, of the cases ascertained, none but those deemed to be
" urgent " as defined by the Board of Control have been dealt with in institutions.
6. The cases of which the Council received information during the year ended
31st December, 1923, were:—
Cases
ascertained.

Supervision.
7. Arrangements for supervision of those for whom this appears to provide
adequate protection or for whom no better means of care can be furnished continue
to be made through the London Association for the Care of the Mentally Defective.
For the financial year ended 31st March, 1924, the Council has paid to the
Association £1,200; this amount, however, includes consideration for services
rendered by the Association in furnishing reports upon the home circumstances of
the relatives of defectives required by the Visitors of certified institutions in which
London cases are maintained, to enable the visitors to perform their duties under
sec. 11 of the Mental Deficiency Act.
Employment
of the
London
Association
for the Care
of the
Mentally
Defective.
Enquiries
made for
visitors of
institutions,
8. (supervision is arranged by the London Association of all defectives who
have been granted leave of absence from institutions of a probationary nature,
to homes in London, with a view to ultimate discharge; the payment of £1,200
referred to above covers services rendered in this connection.
Supervision
of defectives
on leave of
absence.
9. Voluntary supervision, or after care, continues to be afforded by the Association
in suitable cases for defective persons resident in London, after discharge
from institutions or guardianship. No pavment is made by the Council for this work.
Voluntary
supervision
or after-care.
10. At 31st December, 1923, the number of cases under statutory supervision
in London was 1510 (717 males and 793 females).
Provision of occupation centres.
11. In the last Annual Report (vol. II., p. 24,) reference was made to the
Council's intention to provide training in "occupation centres" for defectives under
Cases
supervised