HC Deb 19 July 1937 vol 326 cc1771-2
30. Mr. Day

asked the First Commissioner of Works, in view of the fact that the existing system of ventilation was first installed in the House of Commons in 1854 and slightly modified in 1892, whether it is proposed to make an early improvement in it?

31. Mr. Viant

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will give his attention to the possibility of providing more ventilation for the public and other galleries of this House?

Sir P. Sassoon

The matter was dealt with fully in a note circulated by my predecessor a year ago. Progress has been made in the preparation of a scheme which will be carried out as soon as circumstances permit.

Mr. Viant

Will the right hon. Gentleman pay a visit to the Public Gallery one of these warm days? If he has that experience, I feel sure he will be persuaded to expedite these proposals.

Sir P. Sassoon

I do not require any persuasion.

Mr. Day

Have experts in the Department investigated the systems in use in large buildings in the United States of America?

Sir William Davison

How long is it since bowls of broth were provided for streptococci and other microbes in the Chamber to test their vitality?

Mr. Mathers

Does not the right hon. Gentleman agree that the discomfort from which hon. Members sometimes suffer in this House is due not so much to atmospheric as to gastronomic causes?

Mr. R. C. Morrison

Could we not have the windows open now so as to make a small beginning?

Forward to