View report page

88
Estate is practically free from bed-bug infestation, and that there is very little
infestation on the Page Estate. Such infestation as exists is in houses occupied
prior to the institution of the scheme in 1934. This situation has not been reached
without much effort. Special visits are paid to the Council's houses (a) when a
tenant gives notice that he intends to vacate the premises, and before he does so ;
(b) when a tenant asks for a transfer to another Council house, and (c) at the
request of the Estate Office, when bugs are suspected. The number of such visits
during the year was 365.
The Sanitary Inspector in charge of this work inspects the furniture of all
persons provisionally selected as tenants for the Council's houses, decides when
disinfestation is necessary and makes the necessary arrangements. During the
year he visited 701 houses in this connection. He satisfies himself in all cases
when cyanide is used that the furniture is free from gas before it is allowed to be
used, and that the occupiers understand the precautions necessary the first night
of occupation. When blocks are being fumigated he is present when houses are
being sealed and opened. His work involves irregular hours and much travelling.
In supervision afterwards he is assisted by two part-time women inspectors.
Common Lodging Houses.—These are licensed annually by the Borough
Council in accordance with the provisions of the Transfer of Powers Order, 1933.
The number of inspections made during the year was 71. The following Table,
No. 44, shows details of the accommodation available in each common lodging
house in the Borough:—