§ SIR JOHN GRAYsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, If his attention has been called to the ill-ventilated and otherwise insufficient accommodation provided for the gentlemen who represent the Public Press in this House, which renders the discharge of their duties dangerous to health; and whether he will take means during the Recess to provide a waiting room, refreshment room, and lavatories suitable for educated gentlemen?
§ MR. LAYARD, in reply, said, he was sorry to say he could confirm the expressions made use of in the Question of the hon. Gentleman. He had himself examined the accommodation provided for those who reported their proceedings, and he must confess that nothing could be worse, whether as regarded ventilation or the accommodation necessary to carry on their duties, and other arrangements which gentlemen in their position had a right to require from the House. But he was at a loss to know how to give that accommodation. The thing, he feared, was impossible. He thought he saw his way to give increased ventilation, and if he could give increased room he would be very glad to do so. He might take that opportunity of stating to the House that he had reason to believe the Lords would agree to the suggestions that had been made by some Members of that House with regard to the dining room, and before the close of the Session he hoped to be able to submit a proposition which the Lords had made on the subject, and to take the opinion of the House upon it.