§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIEN (Kilkenny)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider the desirability of providing a billiard room in the House of Commons for the use of Members and whether he will appropriate 548 the dining-room, which has been closed since the new Rules came into operation, for that purpose.
THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. AKERS DOUBLAS, Kent, St. Augustine'sShould it be found that a third dining room is not required I think the general wish of the House would be that the room should be used as an additional writing room in which smoking would be allowed. I should not, however, advise that it should he appropriated as a billiard room.
§ MR. PATRICK O'BRIENWas it not understood when the Estimates were under discussion that the room was to be so applied at once?
§ MR. AKERS DOUGLASSuggestions were made to that effect, and the matter is under consideration, but it is rather too early as yet to say what the effect of the new Rules will be.