HC Deb 25 July 1899 vol 75 c234
MR. STUART-WORTLEY (Sheffield, Hallam)

I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the fact that during the late hot weather those charged with the ventilation of this House have failed to keep the temperature below 75 degrees, and whether in previous years it was found possible even in the hottest seasons to keep the temperature of the House at a much lower figure.

THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS-DOUULAS,) Kent, St. Augustine's

I have given attention to this matter, and find that only on one of the extremely hot days last week the temperature in the House rose to 75 degrees. The records show a temperature on two days in 1896 and 1897 within one degree of the highest reading last week. Generally throughout this summer the temperature in the House has been kept uniformly several degrees lower than the shade temperature out of doors, and has not been in excess of the temperature secured in previous years.

MR. STUART-WORTLEY

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that yesterday, notwithstanding the low temperature outside, the temperature of the House was as high as 73 degrees?

MR. AKERS-DOUGLAS

I do not think my right hon. friend is quite correct At one time the temperature of the House was 73 degrees, but I am given to understand that the temperature outside at that moment was very much the same.