§ Sir J. D. REESasked the hon. Member for St. George' s-in-the-East, as represent- 1614W ing the First Commissioner of Works, whether the air driven into the House can be delivered into the Chamber without being passed over steam-heated coils, and the atmosphere diversified in some manner so as to avoid the dead depressing uniformity; and whether in different parts of the Palace of Westminster, for instance, in some of the Libraries, a cooler atmosphere can be maintained in place of the present highly heated uniformity?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe air can be delivered into the Chamber without being passed over steam heated coils; but, as the radiators provide the only means of heating the air, it would naturally be at outside temperature, which would not be a satisfactory working condition. There is no difficulty in varying the temperature of the air between certain agreed limits, but I feel that this alteration should receive the support of the House. The Libraries are not highly heated, as the temperature records of the room will show; the temperatures are taken hourly, and are open for inspection. The temperature can be lowered in these rooms if it is the general wish of Members.