HC Deb 29 July 1912 vol 41 cc1608-9
17. Mr. LANSBURY

asked whether six years ago, when the Hammersmith Workhouse and Infirmary were built at an expenditure of upwards of a quarter of a million pounds, the Local Government Board sanctioned the placing of the mortuary in such close proximity to the ambulance attendants' dwelling that the ventilators of the mortuary are within eight feet of its windows, and that the Local Government Board inspector has lately pronounced the condition and position of the mortuary to be unsatisfactory and in hot weather seriously to affect the rooms inhabited by the ambulance attendant and his family; and, if so, will the President of the Local Government Board explain why this was not seen to be so at the time when the plans of the infirmary were being sanctioned by the Local Government Board?

Mr. BURNS

The position of the ambulance attendant's cottage was determined by the guardians, who were acting under the advice of an eminent firm of architects, and it was not anticipated at the time the mortuary was erected that any unpleasantness would arise owing to its proximity to the cottage. Attention having now been drawn to the matter, I have approved some alterations which I hope will at a small cost remove the grounds of complaint.

Mr. LANSBURY

Is it not the fact that the Local Government Board approved the plans of an eminent firm of architects who originally designed those buildings?

Mr. BURNS

It may be so.