§ MR. RAMSAY MACDONALDI beg to ask the President of the Local Government Board whether his attention has been called to the complaints made of the insufficient sanitary accommodation provided at the Franco-British Exhibition, and, more particularly, the failure in this respect to provide for the convenience of employees; and what steps, by legislation, or otherwise, in view of the re-opening of the exhibition next year, he proposes to take to remove the causes of complaint.
§ MR. JOHN BURNSMy attention has been called to this matter. I have on several occasions caused it to be investigated by one of the medical inspectors of the Local Government Board, and have urged upon the Exhibition authorities and the Hammersmith Borough Council the need for further accommodation. Some action has been taken as a result, but it does not appear to be sufficient, and I am still pressing the matter upon the borough council, who are now taking legal advice as to their powers with regard to it. I shall not lose sight of the subject.
§ MR. MARKHAMIs it not a fact that the exhibition closes this week, and that this disgraceful state of affairs has existed for weeks past? Why did not the right hon. Gentleman move in the matter before?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSsaid the hon. Member was entirely mistaken. Three months ago he and two inspectors paid several visits to the exhibition, and caused to be made a considerable improvement upon what then prevailed.
§ MR. MARKHAMIs not the present state of affairs disgraceful in the extreme?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSNot to-day.
§ MR. MARKHAMThen why are you taking action now?
§ MR. JOHN BURNSMainly with the object of preventing the recurrence of similar things at any future exhibition that may be held.