HC Deb 07 August 1975 vol 897 cc324-5W
Mr. Watkinson

asked the Lord President of the Council (1) what would be the cost of introducing air conditioning into the House of Commons Library;

(2) what means there are for regulating the temperature in the House of Commons Library;

(3) what has been the highest level of temperature reached in the House of Commons Library in the last week, and in each week of the summer;

(4) if he will consider introducing fans into the House of Commons Library;

Week Beginning Maximum recorded temperature Time and date recorded Rooms
9th June … … … … 75° 19.00 12th June … … … O, A
11.00 13th June … … … M, O, C
16th June … … … … 76° 09.00 18th June … … … A
23rd June … … … … 76° 19.00 26th June … … … M
30th June … … … … 75° 14.00 1st July … … … A, C
19.00
7th July … … … … 74° 14.00 9th July … … … O, B
14.00 10th July … … … O, A, C, B
19.00
14th July … … … … 78° 14.00 14th July … … … M, O, A, B, C
19.00 A
21st July … … … … 76° 09.00 25th July … … … C
28th July … … … … 85° 17.00 30th July … … … C
Key:O = Oriel Room; M = Map Room: A, B, C = Library.

The only means of regulating the temperature in the Library during the summer, when the central heating is off, is by opening or closing the windows. The cost of introducing air conditioning into the Library is estimated at £75,000. It would be possible to provide fans in the Library, one in each room of the complex. I am advised that these would be 24-in. pedestal fans and could be provided at a total cost of about £1,000. I am arranging that the House authorities should be consulted on this matter and shall inform my hon. Friend in due course of what has been decided.