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55
Though the actual work under the aforementioned schemes
is in fact usually delegated in whole or part to voluntary
associations, it would appear very necessary, having regard to
Post War Planning for the Local Authority to make local
provision for defective vision and the local treatment and
management thereof. A local welfare scheme would include
the provisions of a hostel, and home teaching for those so
afflicted.
Mortuary.
The Mortuary situated in the ground at the Erith Parish
Church must be regarded as obsolete having every regard to
the modern aspect of Public Health. The accommodation
consists of a receiving room and a viewing and the maximum
capacity is for 4 bodies. It is estimated on an average that 45
bodies are received therein each year. For some long time
past, these premises have been totally inadequate for a Borough
with some 40,000 population, and the attendant and medical
practitioners are unable lo do their work to the best advantage.
With respect to Post War planning I would recommend the
consideration of a new Mortuary, statute for which is provided
by Section 198 Public Health 1936, and this project might
well be considered with the next item in the lay-out of a Public
Health Centre.
Laboratory.
Under Section 195 Public Health Act 1936 a Local
Authority may provide a laboratory for purposes connected
with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, and for the
making of such bacteriological, chemical, and other examinations
as may assist them in the performance of functions under
this Act.
Crematoria.
Under Section 4 of the Cremation Act 1902, the powers
of a burial authority to provide and maintain burial grounds
or cemeteries, or anything essential, ancillary, or incidental
thereto shall be deemed to extend to and include the provision,
and maintenance of Crematoria. Sites for Crematoria must be
approved by the Ministry of Health. Under Section 7 of the
Act the Secretary of State has made Regulations as to the
maintenance and inspection of Crematoria.
Having regard to the modern aspect concerning disposal
of the dead, I would submit that the Borough Council should
examine all the possibilities regarding the provision of such a
system facilities for which are enacted by the aforementioned
Act.