§ MR. WYLIE (Dumbartonshire)To ask the hon. Member for Chorley, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, what has been done during the recess for improving the ventilation and sanitary arrangements of the House of Commons' Buildings; and what, if anything, still remains to be done to fulfil the recommendations of the Committee's Report on this subject.
(Answered by Lord Balcarres.) During the recess the recommendations of the Select Committee of the House of Commons with reference to the ventilation have been carried into effect, with the exception of the completion of the extract fan. This has been delayed by reason of structural difficulties incidental to the floor of the Commons Lobby Chamber, but it is expected that this fan will be running within a month from date. The principal improvements already effected are: (1) The complete washing of the air by means of a new type of water screen; (2) The erection of a much more powerful intake fan; (3) The more effective isolation of passages joining the main airways. This will be followed by experimental tests having in view the better distribution of air to the Chamber, and also by tests of the air so distributed. It is hoped that the works already completed will result in a very considerable improvement in the quantity and quality of the air supply.