§ 26. Mr. Spellerasked the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed, as representing the House of Commons Commission, whether, in view of the discrepancy between temperatures recorded in the Central Lobby and the statutory maxima which apply elsewhere, he will discuss with the Property Services Agency the effect on the working conditions of the staff for whom he is responsible of the temperatures in the House.
§ Sir Paul BryanI have been asked to reply.
If a complaint about temperature levels in the offices of the House Departments shall arise, the Commission would expect it to be referred directly by the Department concerned to the Property Services Agency.
§ Mr. SpellerWhen my hon. Friend next consults the authorities, will he explain that the Committee Rooms, offices and many of the meeting rooms in this Palace are so superheated that they are 10 per cent. or more above the permitted maxima outside the Palace? At a time when we are seeking to save energy and costs, perhaps we should take some leave.
§ Sir Paul BryanMy hon. Friend has real cause for complaint, but if he wishes to pursue the matter, it should not be done through the Commission, but direct with the PSA, which I know will help.
§ Mr. MarlowDespite what my hon. Friend has said, may I sustain the complaint of my hon. Friend the Member for Devon, North (Mr. Speller)? This place is much too hot. It should be about 10 degrees cooler. If some people feel too cold, they can always put more clothes on, but there is a limit to the number of clothes that one can take off.
§ Sir Paul BryanThat is very valuable information, which I shall certainly pass on to the PSA and I shall explain with what vehemence it was put across. Of course, if the kitchen is too hot, one can always get out of it.