Comment: 'Section 47'.

The use of the powers of compulsory removal contained in Section 47 of the 1948 National Assistance Act is reviewed. It is concluded that the powers are not seriously abused but that there is a need for their amendment. It is argued that any amendment should take the role of the consultant in geriatric medicine into consideration as the role of Medical officer of Health in whom these powers were vested has changed greatly since 1948.