§ 22. Mr. Clive Bossomasked the Civil Lord of the Admiralty if he is aware that air-conditioning has not been incorporated in the barrack blocks in Hong Kong now under construction; and if he will ensure that in any future design for barrack blocks, in tropical countries, such air-conditioning will be incorporated.
§ Mr. C. Ian Orr-EwingAir conditioning is provided in new construction at 434 Aden and Bahrein. The need for air conditioning in other areas is being reviewed by all three Services. The barrack blocks in Honk Kong to which my hon. Friend refers are being built to tropical scales which gives each man 35 per cent. more space than he would have in an air conditioned building.
§ Mr. BossomIs my hon. Friend aware that I appreciate that this must be agreed first between the three Services and that later, no doubt, the Treasury must be persuaded? Surely, however, the financial saving resulting from reducing living space by 35 per cent. would more than offset the cost of air conditioning. Would not the efficiency and the contentment of Service men be greatly increased if they were able to eat, and especially sleep, in air-conditioned quarters?
§ Mr. Orr-EwingThose are exactly the considerations which we are taking into account in the review.