§ COLONEL FRENCHsaid, he rose to move that the enlargement of the dining-rooms of the House of Commons, as recommended by the Committee which sat on the subject, be carried into execution.
§
Motion made, and Question proposed,
That, in the opinion of this House, the enlargement of the Dining Rooms proposed by the Committee on the Kitchen and Refreshment Rooms should be carried into execution."—(Colonel French.)
§ MR. AYRTONsaid, he was opposed to the enlargement, as it would interfere with the courtyard. But he objected to considering the matter at that late hour. If the thing were to be done at all, it should be properly considered. He should move the adjournment of the debate.
§ MR. AUGUSTUS SMITHsaid, they did not want so much improvement in the dining-rooms as in the dinners. He should therefore move the adjournment of the debate.
§ MR. HUNTsaid, he thought the mistake was in trying to give them too good dinners. If the dinners were more simple, they would be more acceptable.
COLONEL WHITEsaid, they ought to have a proper dining-room, and not be compelled to eat together like so many pigs. The Committee had considered every possible scheme, and that proposed was the only feasible one.
§ THE CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUERsaid, that he did not propose to interfere in the discussion, not merely because he was satisfied with the share which he had had that night in debates as to public buildings, but because he did not think it his duty as Chancellor of the Exchequer to throw obstacles in the way of any alterations which were required by the convenience of hon. Members.
§ Motion made, and Question put, "That the Debate be now adjourned."—(Mr. Augustus Smith.)
§ The House divided:—Ayes 29; Noes 8: Majority 21.
§ Debate adjourned till Wednesday next.
§ Notice taken, that 40 Members were not present; House counted, and 40 Members not being present,
§ House adjourned at a quarter before Two o'clock