HL Deb 25 January 1956 vol 195 cc523-4

2.52 p.m.

LORD JEFFREYS

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask the Leader of the House whether he will take steps to obviate the overheating and airlessness of the Chamber of the House of Lords, and whether with that object air-conditioning could be introduced.]

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, air conditioning of this Chamber has been considered from time to time, but it would be extremely costly a very rough estimate is £100,000. Owing to the nature of the building, also, the work would take a long time to carry out and the Chamber might have to he out of action for as long as twelve months. Every effort is made within the limitations of the present system to prevent overheating and to maintain a comfortable atmosphere.

LORD JEFFREYS

My Lords, may I ask whether that is all the noble Earl has to say? Must we continue to suffer this overheating and airlessness, as at present? Is it not possible for the matter to be further considered and for something, even if it is not air conditioning, to be done to improve present conditions?

THE EARL OF HOME

My Lords, I have much sympathy with my noble friend, and I think that possibly something might be done to make conditions a little more bearable. If it would meet with his approval, I would refer this matter to the Offices Committee. I believe that they are not unhopeful, if they were allowed to examine this matter, that something might be done.

EARL WINTERTON

Could my noble friend give an assurance that no action will be taken until this Committee has reported? Some of us prefer a properly heated Chamber to an ice-box.

LORD MATHERS

My Lords, I am not taking any line against the object that the questioner has in view, but may I ask the noble Earl whether it may not be that the conditions about which complaint is made are due, in some measure at least, to gastronomic rather than atmospheric causes?

THE EARL OF HOME

I can certainly give the assurance to the noble Earl, Lord Winterton, that no decision will be taken until the Committee have reported. I can give no such assurance to the noble Lord opposite.