HC Deb 19 May 1890 vol 344 cc1265-6
DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid.)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if it is a fact that fireplaces without chimneys have been supplied to the new offices off Westminster Hall, now used as the offices for Private Bills; whether it is true that gas fire appliances were placed in them, and whether they have been or can be used; who is responsible for the fireplaces and fittings; and what was the expense incurred in connection with each?

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. PLUNKET) University of Dublin

It is not the fact that fireplaces without chimneys have been constructed to the new offices off Westminster Hall, now used as the Private Bill Offices; but owing to the change in the appropriation of the whole of the rooms in the new building, certain expensive warming and ventilating arrangements, which were originally intended to meet the requirements of the rooms, if used as Committee rooms, were not fully carried out. Some additions are, however, about to be made to the extracting flues, which will enable the rooms to be suitably ventilated for the purposes for which they are now used. It was at one time intended to use gas fires in the new fireplaces; but as the whole of the rooms have now been warmed by steam pipes in the same manner as the rooms recently vacated by the departments now occupying the new rooms, it has been found to be unnecessary to adopt those fires. The Office of Works is responsible for the fireplaces and fittings, and the fact of their having been provided renders the rooms fit for any future occupation in case of change. It is impossible to give the cost of the said fireplaces and flues separately from that of the building, as they were constructed as part of the later, and in that way they certainly cost very much less than would be necessary to form them at a future time if they should be required.

DR. TANNER

Am I to understand that there are chimneys existing in connection with these rooms which cannot be used?

MR. PLUNKET

I believe that there are chimneys in existence.

DR. TANNER

Are they closed up?

MR. PLUNKET

I think not.

DR. TANNER

Does the right hon. Gentleman propose to smother all the unfortunate persons who are obliged to use the Hall?

MR. PLUNKET

I propose to make changes to prevent any inconvenience; and unless I were to climb the chimneys myself, I do not know what more I can do.