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24
Provision was made in the estimates for 1963-1964 for works
to be carried out to prevent, as far as possible, damage to pipes
and apparatus by frost. Although severe weather occurs only
occasionally, some of the conveniences were put out of use in the
early part of 1963.
Consideration has been given to the provision of a new convenience
on the L.C.C. estate at Mottingham, and a site has been
"earmarked" for a building. The possibility of including a lavatory
available to the public, in connection with the new swimming bath
near Sidcup Station, is being borne in mind.
LABORATORY SERVICE.
Generally speaking, pathological specimens for examination
in connection with infectious diseases are sent to the Public Health
Laboratory at Maidstone, although in certain instances the laboratory
at Queen Mary's Hospital is used. In this latter connection,
I am greatly indebted to Dr. Herman, Consultant Pathologist.
The number of items of suspected food and specimens from
patients for examination vary from year to year. It is dependent
on the level of such diseases as dysentery, typhoid and food poisoning,
all of which have been infrequent in 1963.

NATIONAL ASSISTANCE ACT, 1948.
Section 47
Removal of Persons living in Insanitary Conditions.
The plight of elderly persons, who due to illness or simply old
age, are unable to fend for themselves, is tragic. Those who come
to the notice of the Department usually do so from complaints by
neighbours, and arise from the squalid conditions into which the
person's dwelling may lapse. The Council's responsibility in the
matter is confined to making arrangements for the compulsory