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41
Co-operation is maintained with the Building Department
to see that plans of new shops comply with
the provisions of the Acts.

The methods employed for freeing infested Council
houses are completely to remove all picture rails, skirtings
and mouldings which are first thoroughly sprayed with
insecticide (Zaldecide). "Wallpaper is stripped where loose
and a floorboard taken up in each room. The place is then
sealed up and left for 24 or 48 hours under gas (Cimex).
On opening, the walls are cleansed and any defects
repaired. Before reinstating, the woodwork is cleansed and
the back thoroughly soaked with creosote. The place is
then redecorated and the walls distempered, not papered.
There is no routine action employed for ensuring that
the belongings of tenants are free from vermin before
removal to Council houses, but where infestation is known
to exist the furniture is fumigated before removal. This
matter is engaging the attention of the Housing Committee
and some special action may be decided upon when overcrowded
families are rehoused.
The work of disinfestation at Council houses is carried
out by Council employees under my supervision and not
by outside contractors. HCN has not been used.
Except in the case of rooms, the three private houses
were done by private firms.
Where disinfestation is carried out at occupied Council
houses detailed advice is given to prevent reinfestation.
Every encouragement is given by supplying disinfectant to
cleanse bedsteads, pictures, etc. In most of these cases it