§ Mr. MABANEasked the Minister of Pensions, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether his attention has been drawn to the bad wear of the morocco leather last used in re-upholstering the benches in this House; whether he can suggest any reason for this; whether it is the intention again to re-upholster the benches during the forthcoming adjournment; and, if so, whether he will consider making use of hide and not morocco?
Mr. HUDSONMy Noble Friend is not disposed to feel that after 12 years of hard wear the covering of the benches of this House has shown unreasonable deterioration. It has not been in contemplation to re-cover them during this financial year, nor has provision been made in the Estimates of the Department for this purpose. The relative merits of morocco and hide will be carefully considered before the benches are again re-covered.