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A disquieting feature of some of the new houses erected is the readiness with we
vermin can migrate from one house to the adjoining house or houses and this can be largely
attributed to the manner of construction of party walls, which contain open joints below the floors
and in the roof loft. It should be a necessary requirement of the new Building Byelaws that
the joints of all party walls should be flushed in solid with mortar at every course of the brickwork
during construction.
It is a difficult problem to control the habit of certain people in purchasing or acquiring
second-hand furniture, bedding, clothing etc.
During the year I circularised the second-hand furniture dealers, furniture removers and
owners of auction rooms and invited them to a meeting which I addressed on the subject. The
poor response revealed a lack of interest and co-operation. However, an interesting discussion
lasting about one and three-quarters of an hour ensued, from which it appeared that in connection
with the businesses of the representatives present, the chance of infestation was likely to be
very small owing to the standard of furniture they dealt with and their desire to ensure that their
business was not affected in any way.
It emerged in the course of the discussion that the probable source of the larger proportion
of any infestation through second-hand furniture arose from that traded from house to house,
of which, of course, the trade has no cognizance whatever.
Though at first apparently somewhat hostile in their attitude, after the discussion had
proceeded for some time there was an obvious desire on the part of those present to assist in any
way they could.
The use of the old Dockwell Hospital, situated in the Great South-West Road, Hounslow,
for the purpose of a cleansing and disinfesting station in connection with the Council's Housing
Schemes has continued during the year. In all 106 families took up temporary residence during
the lime their furniture and effects were being treated with " Hydrogen Cyanide " gas in specially
chartered vans, and prior to their removal into Council houses. Considerable improvements
have been effected to increase the amenities of the Hospital, including the installation of central
heating and a continuous supply of hot water for personal ablutions.
HOUSING STATISTICS.

2. INSANITARY AND UNFIT DWELLING HOUSES.
1. Inspection of Dwelling-Houses during the Year.
: 1
(1) (a) Total number of dwelling-houses inspected for housing defects (under
Public Health or Housing Acts) 731
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 795
(2) (a) Number of dwelling-houses (included under sub-head (1) above) which
were inspected and recorded under the Housing Consolidated
Regulations, 1925 and 1932 144
(b) Number of inspections made for the purpose 208
(3) Number of dwelling-houses found to be in a state so dangerous or injurious to
health as to be unfit for human habitation 57
(4) Number of dwelling-houses (exclusive to those referred to under the preceding
sub-head) found not to be in all respects reasonably fit for human
habitation 115
2. Remedy of Defects during the Year without Service of Formal Notices :—
Number of defective dwelling-houses rendered fit in consequence of informal
action by the Local Authority or their officers 269
26