§ 43. Mr. MACKINDERasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he has had complaints of the inadequacy of the heating arrangements in the Government buildings at Acton and at the Savings Bank Department at West Kensington; whether he will consider the desirability of having thermometers fixed in all the north rooms in both these buildings, so that a reasonable temperature can be maintained and any necessary steps taken to ensure that it is not allowed in any room to fall below 55 degrees at any time while the staff is actually working?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)The heating arrangements at the Savings Bank Department at West Kensington are under the control of the Postmaster-General, to whom any question on the subject should be addressed. As regards the Government building at Acton, the First Commissioner is advised that the heating installation is satisfactory and capable of maintaining a temperature of 60 degrees on the coldest days; temperature readings are recorded in certain of the coldest rooms, and it is not considered necessary to supply additional thermometers; excessive ventilation is, no doubt, responsible in most cases for temperatures lower than 55 degrees, but complaints are invariably investigated and additional radiators supplied when found to be necessary.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs the hon. and gallant Member aware that, if a private firm carried on work with their rooms in exactly the same condition as this, they would be prosecuted?
§ Captain HACKINGIf a private firm opened its windows because of a desire for ventilation it would let in the cold air. That is exactly what happened in this case. They can get the higher temperature up if they close the windows.
§ Mr. MACKINDERIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that repeated complaints have been made about this, 1999 and that these girls have not been treated as the Government compel private employers to treat theirs?
§ Captain HACKINGI am not aware that repeated complaints have been made, but I am having the matter further investigated, and if there be any justification for the complaints in this case, they will be attended to.
§ Sir H. BRITTAINIs it not a fact, that complaints are practically unknown in Acton?
§ Mr. MACKINDERWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman have some responsible person to go with him to see that these complaints are thoroughly aired?
§ Captain HACKINGAll inspectors of the Office of Works are competent.