HC Deb 07 June 1937 vol 324 cc1410-1
31. Mr. Bossom

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether, seeing the great advances that have been made in recent years in the science of ventilation, he will cause an investigation to be made to ascertain if the ventilation of this Chamber can be made more satisfactory during the Recess this summer?

The First Commissioner of Works (Sir Philip Sassoon)

I will send my hon. Friend a copy of the note which was circulated to Members in July of last year. The investigations described in that note are proceeding, but I do not anticipate that they will be concluded in time to enable improvements to be effected during the coming long Recess.

Mr. Bossom

While thanking the Minister for his reply, may I inquire whether his advisers have told him that every time one of us walks over this mat and brings dirt into the House, it is forced up and we are all breathing it at this very moment?

Sir P. Sassoon

I am also well aware of the fact that opinions vary very much, but the general view is that there is too much hot air in circulation.

Mr. Bossom

Did the right hon. Gentleman notice on Monday of last week that there was someone asleep on every bench in the House?

Mr. Thurtle

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the somnolence prevalent on the Treasury Bench is attributed in some quarters to the bad atmosphere in the House?

Sir P. Sassoon

I am not aware of that.