§ DR. CLARK (Caithness)I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether complaints have reached him that in the registered letter rooms, and especially in the north room, there is a want of proper ventilation; that the air is contaminated by fumes of burning wax, dust from the bags, as well as the products of combustion of the gas, and of respiration; that the amount of air is not sufficient for the regular staff, and, that the regular staff is almost constantly augmented by scores of auxiliary hands; and whether the postal authorities have any defined rules as to the cubic feet of air for each individual?
§ *MR. RAIKESAttention bas for some time past been directed to the ventilation of the registered letter room at the General Post Office—to which I presume the question refers—where during the period of the evening duty the atmosphere, in spite of the precautions taken, is at times hot and oppressive, partly, no doubt, owing to the causes which the hon. Member suggests. These rooms together, measure about 200 feet by 32 feet, and contain 16 large windows, all fitted with nightingale boards, two of them having louvre ventilators as well; there are also 14 tobin tubes for the admission of fresh air. More louver 251 ventilators are about to be provided; but I expect the greatest improvement from the introduction of the electric light throughout the building, which will take place as soon as the necessary arrangements can be made. Every effort is made to secure the best possible ventilation. There may be particular times when the number of officers on duty exceeds the ordinary staff, but no pains are spared to preserve the health of the officers engaged.