Lord MORRISMy 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 what was the installation cost of the heating air-conditioning system within the House of Lords.
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONMy Lords, expenditure over the first two years of the heating modernisation programme for the Palace of Westminster has been approximately —1,190,000. This figure could only be sub-divided between the House of Lords and the House of Commons at disproportionate cost.
Lord MORRISMy Lords, I thank my noble friend for that answer. Is he entirely satisfied that the system is working properly?
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONMy Lords, it is part of a six- to seven-year programme so it cannot be expected to be working properly yet. It is only in the beginning stages.
§ Lord LEATHERLANDMy Lords, is the noble Lord aware of the fact that on this side of the House it is very cold indeed? We are almost shivering.
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONMy Lords, in hot weather some people like to be in a cooled atmosphere.
The Earl of HALSBURYMy Lords, could those responsible adjust the system so as both to conserve fuel and stimulate employment in the textile trade by turning the temperature down in winter and perhaps up a little in summer?
§ Lord MOWBRAY and STOURTONMy Lords, the whole object of this six-to seven-year programme is to save fuel. Those noble Lords who are scientifically minded may like to know that eventually we shall save some 190,000 therms a year.