§ 40. Mr. BERNAYSasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will examine the possibility of fitting electric fans in the Chamber in order to produce a cooler atmosphere during the summer months?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)The air is already drawn into and through this Chamber by means of electric fans. The installation of electric fans in the Chamber itself would only create draughts without reducing the temperature, which, during the recent hot weather, has never exceeded 71 degrees Fahr. To reduce the temperature further without increasing the humidity of the air to an uncomfortable point would involve provision of new plant at a cost of some £4,000 or £5,000, in addition to running costs of some £500 per annum, and I should be disposed to doubt whether conditions as they exist are such as to warrant expenditure of that order.
§ Mr. BERNAYSAs the ventilation in this House has been so unsatisfactory during this summer, will the right hon. 1266 Gentleman make fresh inquiries before we have another hot summer?
Mr. GURNEY BRAITHWAITEMight not one of the results of this proposal be to make Ministerial replies even more inaudible than they are at present.
§ Mr. GROVESIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that very slight inconvenience is caused to Members of the Government, as there are usually no more than six of their back benchers in attendance?