§ 55. Mr. Fenner Brockwayasked the Minister of Works what steps can be taken to improve ventilation on hot days in the cafeteria adjoining the Terrace of the House of Commons.
§ 58. Mr. Beswickasked the Minister of Works if he is aware that the inadequate ventilation of the Terrace Level cafeteria presents an inconvenience to visitors using it and a hardship for the staff working in it; and if he will have the ventilation improved.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hugh Molson)Substantial improvement in the ventilation of the cafeteria was made early this year by installing four Ventaxia fans which both induce and expel air. The Chairman of the Kitchen Committee, at whose request the work was done, has expressed his appreciation of the improvement. It will not, however, be possible to make the ventilation entirely satisfactory until a completely new system can be installed, and money cannot at present be provided for this.
§ Mr. BrockwayIs the hon Gentleman aware that both visitors to this Assembly who use that cafeteria and the staff who work in a very limited space behind the heating apparatus would greatly appreciate some improvement of the ventilation there, and will he look at this matter again?
§ Mr. MolsonA general system of extract ventilation, both for the cafeteria and also for the Strangers' Bar, will be installed as soon as it is possible to find the necessary money.
§ Mr. BeswickBut could not the Parliamentary Secretary do something in the meantime? Since the improvement was made, certain other heating arrangements have been put in at the back there and the position is really below the standard which ought to obtain in this Palace?
§ Mr. MolsonI will see if it is possible to do anything more in the way of fitting additional fans.
§ Mr. ShinwellAsk the Chancellor of the Exchequer.