HL Deb 21 December 1964 vol 262 cc637-9

2.47 p.m.

LORD BOSSOM

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, as it is comparatively technically simple and has been done in the other place, the Ministry responsible will give serious consideration to improving the present unsatisfactory atmosphere in this Debating Chamber.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY, MINISTRY OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES (LORD MITCHISON)

My Lords, while respecting the noble Lord's opinion, I cannot agree entirely with his view that improving the atmosphere in this Chamber is comparatively technically simple, or that this problem is directly comparable with what has been done in another place. However, as the noble Lord was informed on March 17, 1964, my right honourable friend the Minister of Public Building and Works is considering a scheme for improving the atmosphere in this Chamber and has, meanwhile, been pressing ahead with his examination of proposals. Equipment is now being assembled for tests to be carried out early in the New Year. Subject to these tests being successful, measures will be taken to improve the atmosphere of this Chamber as soon as the necessary funds can be made available.

LORD BOSSOM

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that Answer; but is the country dependent on waiting for funds in order to make improvements like this, which are essential and have been waiting now for fifty years?

LORD MTTCHISON

My Lords, I hope that we shall not have to wait as long as that again. Experiments are to start soon, and they will require a little time. The noble Lord will remember that when he asked a similar Question in March of this year he was given the caution about funds being available, a caution that I have repeated to-day. I can assure him that during the months between March and to-day not many more funds have become available for this particular purpose; they have been used otherwise.

LORD BOSSOM

My Lords, while thanking the noble Lord for that answer, but not quite agreeing with him, I hope that he will not be slow. Action on this point is not a complicated matter. It is a technical matter, of which I have had a little experience, and I think he could get on with the job fairly quickly if he wanted to do so.

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I can assure the noble Lord that we do, indeed, value his views on matters of this sort. I can also assure him that my right honourable friend appreciates that something must be done about this matter as soon as may be. The experiments begin early next year. I made a reference to funds, and I meant it, and I am sure the noble Lord will understand the kind of difficulty that is presented. I will take care that the noble Lord's views and comments on this matter are brought to the attention of my right honourable friend.

LORD BOSSOM

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his assurance that this matter will be followed up with a certain amount of urgency.

EARL JELLICOE

My Lords, may I ask the noble Lord whether the experiments will be live experiments; and, if so, who will be the guinea pigs?

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I do not think so; but perhaps I might, on behalf of my right honourable friend, make a conciliatory offer to the noble Earl and to the noble Lord, Lord Bossom. I understand that the experimenters would be glad to see any noble Lord who is interested in what they are doing. It does not follow that it will be a live experiment, but it will certainly be watched by those who are concerned—I might have said that before to the noble Lord, Lord Bossom.

BARONESS SUMMERSKILL

My Lords, do I gather from the attitude of my noble friend that he regards these complaints as more attributable to physiological conditions than to mechanical conditions?

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I feel that the correct answer is that they are the business of another Department. But, if I may use crude language, I think there is a bit of "fug" at times, and I hope that we shall get something done to remedy it as soon as may be.

EARL FERRERS

My Lords, can the noble Lord say whether the equipment used will incorporate breathalysers?

THE EARL OFDUNDEE

Will it incorporate the use of natural gas?

A NOBLE LORD: We get enough of that.