HC Deb 30 July 1896 vol 43 cc1045-6
MR. JOHN AIRD (Paddington, N.)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if arrangements could be made during the Recess and before the next Session of Parliament for a smoking room to be available for Members both of the House of Lords and House of Commons?

MR. AKERS - DOUGLAS

The general question of the smoking room accommodation in the House has been receiving my careful consideration, and I regret to say that I have been unable to find any further space in that portion of the building allotted to the House of Commons. Of course, if there is a disposition on the part of the House of Lords, as suggested by my hon. Friend, to meet us with the offer of further accommodation, the difficulty might be solved. [Cheers.] Perhaps my hon. Friend will speak to me on the matter.

MR. GIBSON BOWLES

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider whether smoking should not be allowed in the map room! ["No."]

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I have already considered that question, and there is a very general objection to it. ["Hear, hear!"]