HL Deb 05 August 1965 vol 269 cc398-9

2.42 p.m.

LORD SEGAL

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress is being made towards improving the ventilation of this Chamber.]

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

My Lords, the noble Earl, Lord Jellicoe, explained to the House on March 17, 1964, that a scheme for the installation of air-conditioning in your Lordships' Chamber was being examined. On December 21, 1964, I explained to the House that my right honourable friend the Minister of Public Building and Works was pressing ahead with his examination of proposals. Some of the necessary plant has been installed and satisfactory tests have been made. Preparatory work is continuing with a view to completion of the work by the end of the Summer Recess, 1966, subject to the necessary funds being available.

LORD SEGAL

My Lords, while thanking my noble friend for his reply, may I ask him this further question? Is he aware that alternate blasts of hot and cold air have been blowing across this Chamber, between the Opposition and the Government Benches, in both directions, regardless of the temperature outside? Can he not give an assurance to the House that it will be able to meet again after the Recess under more healthy auspices?

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, I do not think it is my right honourable friend's business to interfere with any of the political hot air to which my noble friend was referring; hut, as regards the condition of the Chamber, I am afraid that the work will not be finished before the date I indicated. I think there has already been some improvement—and so does my right honourable friend—and I hope that it will continue as we get the machinery going.

VISCOUNT DILHORNE

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that, to us, it always seems that the hot air comes from that side of the House?

LORD MITCHISON

Yes, my Lords, but we think the cold feet are on the other side.

LORD BOSSOM

My Lords, is the noble Lord aware that when the House of Commons was using this Chamber this very point was raised and that it was promised that something would be done about it? That is now nearly 20 years ago, but still nothing has happened.

LORD MITCHISON

My Lords, this Government have got a move-on about it. We hope that the work will be finished by the date I indicated.