§ 28. Mr. PIRIEasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if his attention has been drawn to the vitiated atmosphere in the three dining rooms, especially during the dinner hours; and whether he will take steps so as to secure even moderately good ventilation in these rooms?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)These rooms are supplied with fresh air from the river front basement, and have both input and extract fans connected to ducts. It would be desirable when funds permit to instal more powerful fans, but if Members would more frequently allow the windows to be opened an improvement could be effected.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe first Commissioner has the very best evidence in the world of the vitiated atmosphere, namely, the statement made by the hon. Member himself.
§ Mr. PIRIEWhen is the Committee appointed to inquire into the ventilation of the House going to sit?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNIt has not yet been appointed.
§ Mr. KINGIs the hon. Gentleman aware that if we have fans they do not operate unless the windows are shut? If so, why does he advise the windows being open? Is it because the fans are inoperative?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNNo, if you open the windows it merely adds to the number of ducts.
§ Mr. PIRIEAre we to understand that the First Commissioner admits that the atmosphere is vitiated?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNI have given the evidence on which the First Commissioner has formed the opinion.