§ Major POLEasked the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider the advisability of removing the partition in the Members' dining room in order to make more adequate accommodation for Members?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe partition rereferred to is a structural wall, about 2 feet 6 inches thick, containing a fireplace and flues, which could only be removed at great expense and after overcoming considerable structural difficulties. Furthermore, removal would destroy the architectural composition of two rooms which are amongst the finest in the building, and which have always been greatly admired. I regret, therefore, that I cannot agree to the removal of the wall, unless asked to do so by the House of Commons.