§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade, in view of the fact that the system of blow-holes, for the better ventilation of the Metropolitan Underground Railways, as recommended by Sir Wolfe Barry and the late Sir John Baker, has proved a failure, will he state whether any steps are being taken to provide fans as a means of improving the atmosphere in the tunnels; and whether any effort is being made to introduce electric traction on these lines.
§ THE PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF TRADE (Mr. RITCHIE,) CroydonNo, Sir, fans are not being provided on the Metropolitan Underground Railways; the companies are not prepared to admit that the blow-hole system has proved a failure. On the other hand, experiments are being made between Earl's Court and High Street, Kensington, with the object Of introducing electric traction, and I am informed that such experiments will be actively prosecuted.
§ MR. WEIRIs the right hon. Gentleman not aware that the Departmental Committee, appointed by himself two or three years ago, distinctly showed that these blow-holes were an utter and absolute failure?
§ * MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!