§ MR. JOHN AIRD (Paddington, N.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works if the arrangements have progressed for providing better smoking accommodation for Members in the coming year?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUGLAS, Kent, St. Augustine's)I am afraid arrangements have not progressed. I have endeavoured in connection with the recent new appointment to the office of Librarian in the House of Lords, to obtain a re-adjustment of accommodation in the building by the absorption of the Librarian's residence. This would have enabled me to meet the requirements of hon. Members, but I regret to say that my attempts have failed, the authorities of the House of Lords having declined to depart from t he present allocation of rooms.
§ MR. AIRDasked whether the hon. Gentleman was aware that the present Smoking Room was over the Kitchen, and was perfectly intolerable?
§ MR. AKERS-DOUGLASI am aware of the fact that the smoking-room is over the kitchen, and of the disadvantages arising in consequence. I remember pointing out these disadvantages when the plans were adopted, but my advice was not taken.