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46
removed to the new houses in Potters Grove and South
Park Grove. It was decided that the effects of all these
new tenants should be removed and treated en route
and a contract was accordingly entered into with a firm
undertaking this class of work. The question of applying
this rule to new tenancies of all Council houses was
held in abeyance until the removals to the Potters Farm
estate was sufficiently advanced to enable a decision to be
made on the experience so gained.
The work of disinfestation at Council houses is
carried out by our own staff under my supervision and
not by outside contractors. HCN has not been used.
When these houses are occupied detailed advice is
given to prevent reinfestation. Every encouragement is
given by supplying disinfectant to cleanse bedsteads,
pictures, etc.
Every house becoming vacant on the Corporation
Estates is carefully inspected before reletting. In this
way a number were found to be affected, to a varying
degree and dealt with. Thirty-seven inspections were
carried out.
Advice has also been given to a number of house
owners, and several houses are known to have been treated
by outside contractors without notice from my department.
HCN is known to have been used in two cases.
The Hydrogen Cyanide (Fumigation of Buildings)
Regulations, 1938, will come into operation on 1st
February 1939.
These Regulations have been made to safeguard
the use of Hydrogen Cyanide, owing to its extremely
dangerous nature.
Among other matters it is required that notice be
given to the Medical Officer of Health of any forthcoming
fumigation with HCN.