PART VI.

Transitory Provisions in Relation to the Existing Hospitals.

40. —(1) On and after the second appointed day the Minister may, whenever and so often as he thinks fit, by order (in this section referred to as a closing order) direct that a particular part (defined in such manner and by reference to such things as the Minister thinks fit) of the existing hospitals shall be closed on a specified date.

(2) The Minister may, whenever and so often as he thinks fit, by order under this sub-section amend a closing order, including a closing order as amended by an order under this sub-section.

(3) The Minister shall before making an order under this section consult the Board.

(4) Whenever a closing order is made the part of the existing hospitals to which such order relates shall be closed on the date specified in that behalf in such order.

41. —On and after the first appointed day and until the existing hospitals have been closed under the immediately preceding section, the Board may, in relation to such parts of the existing hospitals as have not been so closed, manage them and may for this purpose, subject to the provisions of this Act, do all such things as the governing body of a hospital are usually authorised to do in relation to a hospital controlled by such governing body, and may, without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, do all or any of the following things, that is to say:—

(a) in any case where the relatives of a patient dying therein are not known or, by reason of their absence or poverty or otherwise, are unable to provide for the burial of such deceased patient, defray all necessary and proper expenses incurred in the burial of such deceased patient;

(b) disinfect the clothing and effects of patients and in respect of any damage caused thereby pay or make compensation;

(c) where clothing is necessary for the proper treatment or protection of a patient and such patient is unable by reason of poverty to provide such clothing, provide such clothing.