§ 47. Sir Percy Hurdasked the Prime Minister whether the Government will invite suggestions and plans for the new House of Commons from architects so as to ensure the fullest advantage of sun-aspect and natural ventilation or air conditioning and provide the necessary additional accommodation for Members, visitors and the Press of the outside Empire and the United States of America?
§ The Prime MinisterI understand that preliminary information is being collected by the Ministry of Works and Buildings with a view to the preparation of plans and the starting of the work when hostilities are over. As has already been announced, the House will be consulted before final plans are made. There is no question of altering the traditional character of the Chamber.
§ Sir P. HurdWhile accepting that fact may I ask the Prime Minister whether attention is being paid to the earnest representations of the Overseas Empire Press and the Press of the United States that they should be given better accommodation in this House?
§ The Prime MinisterThat, I think, is being put right.
§ Sir Percy HarrisWill the Prime Minister see that the traditional character of the ventilation of the old House of Commons is changed?
§ The Prime MinisterI especially excepted that traditional feature.