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Factories Act, 1937.
Three hundred and ninety-two visits of inspection were made to
factories in the area and the following nuisances were remedied following
the service of Intimation Notices:—
Want of cleanliness 4
Unsuitable or defective sanitary conveniences 36
Shops Acts.
One hundred and twenty-seven visits were paid in connection
with the Shops Acts.
Mortuary.
The administration of the Beckenham Mortuary is the responsibility
of the Public Health Department, the Mortuary Attendant being
a member of the Medical Officer's staff.
During 1955 114 bodies were brought to the Mortuary, where postmortem
examinations were conducted by a Home Office Pathologist.
The Mortuary Attendant is responsible, under supervision, for the
maintenance and cleanliness of the building, the reception and collection
of bodies, assistance at Post-Mortems, and the preparation and arrangement
of a Town Hall room for the purposes of Inquest. Charge is
taken of any clothing or valuables found on deceased persons and
next-of-kin are immediately informed.
National Assistance Act, 1948.
Burial and Cremation of Dead.
Section 50 of this Act places responsibility on a local authority
for the burial of persons who have died, or been found dead in their
area, where it appears that no suitable arrangements for disposal have
been made.
During 1955 4 burials had thus to be arranged. In one case only
was the Council able to recover the costs involved.
This duty involves a considerable amount of work, as the Officers
have to act as enquiry agents in their endeavours to trace the history
of deceased persons and the possibility of surviving relatives.
In the absence of any legitimate claimant to valuables or money
found, the matter is referred to the Treasury Solicitor.
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