74. Mr. Lindsayasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that there are alternate extremes of heat and cold in the House of Commons; and whether he will take steps to have the temperature kept constant by thermostatic control.
§ 76. Dr. A. Thompsonasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that some parts of the House of Commons are over-heated and under-ventilated; and whether he will take steps to remedy this.
§ Lord John HopeThe Chamber itself is air-conditioned and a temperature of 67–68°F. is maintained. Elsewhere, 115W thermostats are already provided in a number of rooms and will be provided in others. The opening of windows and doors, and constant changes in the number of persons occupying rooms, affect the working of the thermostats. I am arranging for all staff to be reminded not to open windows and doors unnecessarily, and I hope hon. Members will also co-operate.
75. Mr. Lindsayasked the Minister of Works if he will have the windows of the dining rooms, libraries, committee rooms and smoking room of the House of Commons made draught-proof.
§ Lord John HopeDraughts in these large rooms are mainly due to the large areas of windows rather than to ill-fitting window frames. The provision of double glazing to the lower parts of the windows of most of the rooms has considerably reduced the draughts, but further improvement can only be achieved by extending it to the whole of the windows. This will be difficult and costly, but I will consider whether it could be done.