HC Deb 06 December 1911 vol 32 cc1400-1
Mr. CRAWSHAY-WILLIAMS

asked the Prime Minister whether, in view of the recommendation of the Select Committee appointed in 1902 to inquire into the ventilation of the House of Commons that a further inquiry should be instituted into problems of ventilation still unsolved, he will appoint another Select Committee to conduct such an inquiry?

The PRIME MINISTER

I am informed that the expenditure incurred in carrying out the recommendations of the Select Committee of 1902 ceased in June, 1907. Until more precise methods have been demonstrated, from whatever source, for dealing with the outstanding problems of ventilation, the time seems hardly ripe for pursuing these questions by the establishment of another Select Committee.

Sir F. BANBURY

May I ask the Prime Minister whether it would not be possible to go back to the old-fashioned way of opening the windows? This used to be an extremely comfortable and pleasant House to sit in.

Mr. PIRIE

That simple process would involve very little expenditure.