§ MR. THORNHILLasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether it is necessary that the luncheon bar should be placed outside the only window of the room in which the Opposition Whips have to transact their business, and that bottles should be placed in the window frame; so that the noise of the customers and the smell of the refreshments make it very difficult for them either to hear or breathe with any degree of comfort? The hon. Member said, he had further to complain that some machinery connected with the electric light was beneath the room, and that its vibrations, together with the noise of the customers at the bar, made it almost impossible to carry on consultations there.
§ MR. ARTHUR O'CONNORWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly explain to the House the meaning of the expression "Opposition Whips," and state what are the functions which these Gentlemen perform; and also whether Gentlemen discharging similar functions for any other portion of the House will receive similar accommodation?
§ MR. SHAW LEFEVRESir, I am extremely sorry that the change in the Lobby arrangements should have caused any inconvenience to two Members to whom hon. Members on that side of the House owe so much, and who are entitled to every consideration from the Government and the House. If they will kindly communicate with me, I will try to mitigate the evils of which they complain, and, if possible, provide them with some other accommodation. The House is aware that the amount of accommodation is very limited, and that the disposal of rooms does not rest with me, but on Mr. Speaker, who has many other claims to consider, especially those of the officials of the House. All I can say is that we will do our best.