§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEasked the First Commsisioner of Works, (1) whether he is aware of the frequent discharge of a dense volume of smoke from a chimney shaft from the engineering department, western branch, Orange Street, and of the opinion of the medical officer of health for Westminster to the effect that the nuisance caused thereby is a menace to the surrounding neighbourhood; and, in view of this opinion and the fact that the smoke cannot be without a deleterious effect upon the pictures in the National Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, the buildings of which are within some 30 yards of the chimney, he will take the same steps to abate the nuisance as was done with such excellent results by the Charing Cross Hospital, near by, by the installation of an apparatus which paid 1997W for its cost within a twelve-month by lessening the coal consumption;
(2) whether he is aware that an undertaking was given by the Office of Works that provision had been made in the Estimates last year for the abatement of the nuisance caused by the smoke from the chimney of the Orange Street pumping station; and will he explain why this undertaking has not been fulfilled?
1998W
§ Sir A. MONDProvision was made in the Estimates for new hot water boilers, but unfortunately their delivery has been delayed, so that they cannot now be installed until the spring, when the heating of the National Gallery can be shut down. It is anticipated that these boilers, which will be substituted for the existing steam boilers, will do away with the nuisance complained of.