HC Deb 07 May 1912 vol 38 cc226-7
Mr. SANDYS

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been called to the unsatisfactory system of ventilation in the Ladies' Gallery; and whether any improvement can be effected?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

No complaint of the ventilation of the Ladies' Gallery has for some time reached the First Commissioner. An independent system for that part of the House was constructed in 1907, and upon this it is difficult to effect any improvement.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Would not an improvement be effected by removing the grille?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

I do not think the removal of the grille would affect the ventilation.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Could the grille be removed?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

I do not think that arises out of the question.

Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTT

May I ask whether the hon. Gentleman, as a Minister, is responsible for putting the ladies in that cage?

Mr. NEWMAN

Could not the ladies be allowed to occupy the side galleries, which are nearly always empty?