§ SIR PHILIP MAGNUS (London University)To ask the Prime Minister whether, in view of the possible recurrence of the influenza epidemic during the approaching winter months, he will reconsider the question of the adjournment of the House for a half-hour, between the hours of seven and nine, in order that the windows may be opened for the admission of fresh air and the better ventilation of the Chamber.
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. L. HARCOURT,) Lancashire, RossendaleWithout expressing any opinion as to the advisability of the suggestion in connection with the possibility of a recurrence of the influenza epidemic, I would point out that, as explained on many previous occasions, the system of mechanical ventilation does not lend itself to the opening of windows. A much better result can be obtained by running the appliances at full speed during an adjournment; but even this requires to be very judiciously done in the winter season, otherwise it might be difficult to "catch-up" the lowered temperature which would necessarily result in severe weather. The matter of an adjournment or a recurrence to the old informal break in the sitting is one which the Prime Minister could only consider if he was convinced that it represented a great weight of opinion in all quarters of the House.
§ MR. PIRIE (Aberdeen, N.)asked the right hon. Gentleman whether he had read the pamphlet by the hon. Member for North Bucks, in which it was stated that though the ventilation might be the best in the world the result of it was the worst known, and whether he would take steps to pay attention to this matter.
§ MR. L. HARCOURTI have perused the pamphlet, but I have not arrived at the same conclusion.
§ SIR PHILIP MAGNUSsuggested the consideration of an alteration in the 1364 present mechanical system of ventilation in order, if possible, to open the windows.