Thanks for all the replies....
I shall replace the old skirting boards! But while on the subject, would the
same apply for doorframes if we need to re-hang the doors to open from the
other side, ie replace frames or fill in old holes?

.........and can a skim of plaster be applied over painted walls (to cover
the channels for the new wiring and the cracks....) or do we have to scrape
all the old paint off...???
Those are the last questions for today I promise!

Mara