HC Deb 29 March 1955 vol 539 cc179-80
3. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Works how many persons are employed to check the temperature in the Chamber and rooms in the Palace of Westminster; and the annual cost.

Mr. Bevins

Control Room staff check the temperature in the Commons Chamber and Division Lobbies. Three attendants check temperatures in the rest of the Palace as part of their duties. The cost of these services in wages is approximately £1,000 a year.

Mr. Crouch

Is my hon. Friend aware that these men work in pairs, that one takes the temperature and the other writes it down in a book, and that separate pairs work on separate floors? What action do they take when they find that the temperature is not to their liking?

Mr. Bevins

That may have been the case until recently, but it is not now. Appropriate action has been taken.