§ MR. MACFARLANEasked the Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Works, If he can now state to the House the number of theatres and other places of public entertainment which have been reported upon as to the existing means of escape in case of fire; and, if he can further state what steps he proposes to take to enforce the necessary structural changes during the autumn, when such changes can be carried out with the least loss to the proprietors or lessees?
§ SIR JAMES M'GAREL-HOGGSir, the number of places of public enter- 1534 tainment actually reported on, and with regard to which the Board have been able to take action, is 11 theatres and four music halls; but I am happy to say that the Reports of Captain Shaw on the whole of the remaining theatres in the Metropolis are on the point of completion, and will, I believe, be presented this week. With regard to enforcing the necessary structural changes during the autumn, I can only say that everything will be done to press matters forward; but much depends on the prompt compliance of owners with the Board's requirements, and on their carrying out the alterations without having recourse to arbitration as provided for in the Act of 1878.