§ 34. Miss Burtonasked the Minister of Works if the windows in the Chamber are made to open; and, if not, whether he will arrange for this alteration to be done.
§ The Minister of Works (Mr. George Brown)The windows in the Chamber can be opened if necessary, but this would interfere with the proper operation of the air-conditioning plant.
§ Miss BurtonIs my right hon. Friend aware that, strangely enough in this hot weather the Chamber has been the coolest place in the Palace of Westminister, but that in the Winter when the Chamber is full the atmosphere is unbearable; and could he do something about it for next year?
§ Mr. BrownI do not think that should be so. It is merely a matter of the control of the plant. I am sure that will be done.
§ Mr. Godfrey NicholsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say who is responsible for issuing orders as to the difference there should be at different times of the year between the outside and inside temperatures? Is he aware that many hon. Members often find the House a little too hot, and can he do something to cool it down?
§ Mr. BrownIt may be that the feelings of each hon. Member varies with his own ability to engender heat. For controlling the temperature, we have engineers here for that very purpose.
§ Mr. NicholsonWho instructs the engineer?
§ Mr. NicholsonDoes the engineer instruct himself? Surely somebody must give him instructions?
§ Mr. DonnellyWill my right hon. Friend be very careful before opening too many windows in case the lady Members' hats are blown around?
§ Mr. MolsonCould the right hon. Gentleman tell us the temperature at which it is intended to maintain the Chamber?
§ Mr. H. HyndWho is responsible for giving instructions about anything in this building?