§ 67. Sir W. DAVISONasked the First Commissioner of Works under what circumstances the room near the Members' cloak-room was allocated to Welsh Members; whether all Welsh Members, irrespective of party, are entitled to use this room; and what Member is responsible for it?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)I regret that I have been unable to ascertain the exact circumstances in which Room No. 48 was originally allocated to Welsh Members, but I understand that the room has been so allotted for at least 43 years. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative, and I 1642 understand that the Welsh Members form a group and elect a chairman who is responsible for the room. The present chairman is, I believe, the hon. Member for Neath (Sir W. Jenkins).
§ Sir W. DAVISONAre we to understand that all the Welsh Members use this room?
Mr. WALLACEWill the right hon. Gentleman have a room set aside for Scottish Members; and who is the chairman?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThere is no other room available for Scottish or for Ulster or for Irish Members. There is no room available even if applications are made. It is a long custom which justifies the continuance of this room for the Welsh Members. I understand that my predecessor the right hon. Gentleman the Leader of the Opposition at the beginning of the Parliament of 1929 had the room locked. However, the room was raided by the Welsh Members, and they successfully re-asserted their claim.
§ Lieut.-Commander AGNEWWill the right hon. Gentleman consider instituting a ballot at the commencement of each Session, so as to decide which regional nationality shall have the benefit of rooms.