§ 1. Mr. DAYasked the First Commissioner of Works whether his attention has been called to the system of air cooling and air conditioning installed in many large public buildings abroad; and will he call for a report from his experts as to whether this system, if installed in the House of Commons, would improve the ventilation during the summer months?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)Yes, Sir. Investigations are being carried out by my engineers in collaboration with the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the Medical Research Council 1337 and the Government Chemist, but the question is one of great difficulty on account of the age and character of the building.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREI should like to see the reports first; they are highly technical.
§ Mr. DAYDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that Members of this House should be able to see them also?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREYes. As a matter of fact there are in existence several reports on this subject, copies of which are in the Library, and which can be obtained by hon. Members; but I find that they are very seldom read.
§ Mr. HICKSIf the right hon. Gentleman is not able to get a satisfactory recommendation from these bodies, will he consider the question of reconstructing this building?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREIf there were any suggestion of pulling this building down, I think there would be a very large number of Members in all parts of the House who would prefer to carry on as at present.
§ Mr. MESSERDoes the right hon. Gentleman's answer mean that there is too much hot air in the House already?