§ MR. WEIR (Ross and Cromarty)I beg to ask the lion. Member for Chorley, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if he will state whether any steps are being taken to provide ventilation for the Vote Office; and whether arrangements will be made to re-open the fireplace that a coal fire may be used, as formerly.
§ Lord BALCARRESThe Vote Office is now ventilated to the outer air. What appears to be required is a rectification of the high temperature which will be effected by the supply of a smaller radiator. It is quite impossible to restore the open fireplace, seeing that the smoke flue does not deliver to the outer air, but to the Commons lobby shaft. The fireplace was closed consequent upon smoke nuisance which could not be obviated.