§ 84. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that proposals were first made in 1912 for the Government Chemist to be provided with a new building for his department; what steps have been taken since that time to make such provision; and when he anticipates providing the Government Chemist with a new building.
§ Mr. BirchYes. Between the wars an extra storey was added to part of the Government Chemist's building in order to provide more space. The whole question of the future accommodation of the Government Chemist is now under consideration.
§ 85. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Works how many times during 1955 the lift serving the Government Chemist's staff in the Customs House, Lower Thames Street, has fallen from the top of the building to the basement; and when he anticipates having the lift reconstructed so that such accidents do not recur.
§ Mr. BirchThis has never happened. But the lift is old and I hope it will be replaced within the next two years.
§ 86. Mr. Skeffingtonasked the Minister of Works whether he is aware that in the part of the Customs House, Lower Thames Street, occupied by the staff of the Government Chemist's department, it is necessary, when it rains, for buckets and jam jars to be arranged at points on floor and tables so as to catch the rain coming through the roof; and when he anticipates remedying this situation.
§ Mr. BirchNo. The glazed roof has in the past occasionally leaked, but these leaks have been quickly repaired.