§ 31. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings what progress is being made with the repairs to the Commons Chamber in the Palace of West- 1121 minster; what architect is being consulted; and whether a Committee of this House, as representing prospective users and workers, will be set up to give practical advice?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works and Buildings (Mr. Hicks)Preliminary information is being collected by the Ministry with a view to the preparation of plans and the starting of the work when hostilities are over. The hon. and gallant Member may rest assured that the fullest consultation with all interested parties, including the Royal Fine Art Commission and an advisory committee of the House, will take place before new plans are adopted.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishWill the hon. Member bear in mind the questions of modern acoustics, ventilation and sound recording; and may we hope that these English words, which are so pregnant with regard to the past, the present and the future, will be placed over the Chair: "Lest we Forget"?
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the hon. Member consult Members of the House with knowledge, experience and great personal interest in this matter, before any final plans are made?
§ Mr. HicksI said that before any new plans are adopted an advisory committee of this House will be consulted.
§ Sir Francis FremantleWill that committee include Members who are interested in ventilation? Ventilation is a very important question, especially in regard to the Gallery, where it is very bad.