§ MR. J. G. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory ventilation of the Houses of Parliament, as disclosed in the recent report of Mr. James Keith, C. E., and other publications; and, whether he proposes to take any steps during the Recess to remedy defects in the sanitary arrangements which are calculated to injuriously affect the health of Members of the House, representatives of the Press, officials of the House, and visitors?
THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS Kent,) St. Augustine'sMy attention has been directed to the subject of the ventilation and sanitation of the Houses of Parliament, and I will further consider it during the Recess. My examination of the question so far leads me to regard with confidence the genera system which is now in operation, and which is supported by the decisions and recommendations of the Select Committees which have so recently investigated the matter. I am not at all prepared to adopt the views of Mr. 1440 Keith, whose knowledge of the arrangements appears to be imperfect. In some parts of the building, there is, I think, room for improvement in the ventilation, and this matter shall be carefully looked into.
§ MR. WEIRI would ask the right hon. Gentleman to read the evidence of the Select Committee, and especially the evidence of Sir Henry Roscoe——
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order! That is a suggestion, and not a question.
§ MR. J. C. FLYNN (Cork, N.)Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the temperature in the smoking-room last week was 77 deg.?
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASThat is a matter to which I have alluded in my reply. I may say further, that I have read carefully the Evidence and Report of the Select Committee.