§ MR. MACARTNEY (Antrim, S.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can make any statement as to what measures have been taken in the Recess with regard to ventilating and fumigating the House?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. PLUNKET,) Dublin UniversityI am glad my hon. Friend has given me this opportunity of making a statement which may serve to allay some apprehensions which otherwise might naturally be entertained. During the Recess this House, with its Lobbies and the surrounding rooms used by Members, including the Tea Rooms and Reading Room, also the rooms used by Ministers, by the officials of the House, and for official purposes generally, have been thoroughly fumigated with sulphur and afterwards sprinkled with eucalyptazone. The tiled floors have been washed with carbolic soap, and the cushions, carpets, and other moveables have been taken out and thoroughly cleaned. The Libraries have been purified with thiocamp, a preparation of sulphur and camphor, which, as I am advised, is a powerful disinfectant, but does no damage to bookbinding or gilding. A strong current of air has also been driven frequently through the building. On the whole, hon. Members 808 may rest assured that this House is at the present time probably the best cleaned and purified House in London.