HC Deb 28 June 1984 vol 62 cc495-7W
Mr. Madden

asked the Lord Privy Seal what action is being taken to ensure that the air conditioning equipment in the Strangers' Cafeteria works properly; and if this is impossible within a reasonable time, if he will arrange for the windows to be unlocked.

Mr. Biffen

In common with other air-conditioned areas of the House of Commons, the chilling of the air which is mechanically supplied to the Strangers' Cafeteria has ceased temporarily. This has come about because the inability of the London Electricity Board to provide the Palace with its normal level of electrical supply has necessitated restrictions on all but the most essential services in order not to exceed the load available.

As soon as the full LEB supply is restored, the cooling element of the air conditioning system will be switched on. Windows in the Strangers' Cafeteria, as well as those on

parliamentary time by the Government in each Session since 1954; what stages of these Bills received such time; and how many subsequently received the Royal Assent.

Mr. Biffen

[pursuant to his reply, 25 June 1984, c. 367–72]The information given in my answer for Sessions 1954–55 and 1966–67 should be modified as follows:

other ground floor Refreshment Department areas, have been opened and will remain open, day and night, until cooling is restored or their closing is recommended by the head of security.

Mr. Madden

asked the Lord Privy Seal what representations have been made recently by staff, including those working in the Strangers' Cafeteria, about their working conditions; what action has been taken subsequently to improve working conditions; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Biffen

Concern has been expressed, particularly by Refreshment Department staff on duty in the kitchens, about the very high temperatures experienced there recently. As a result, the parliamentary works office of PSA has installed a portable extractor fan in the roof void above the Principal Floor kitchen, and portable flexible ducting has been installed in the ground floor kitchen. Further remedial work will, if feasible, be carried out in the summer adjournment. Work on improving extraction in the Harcourt Grill Room kitchen is in the agreed works programme for the current financial year. The possibility of advancing major ventilation improvements is under examination. In addition, a serious reduction in the amount of electricity which the London Electricity Board is able to supply to the Palace has meant that the chilling section of the central air conditioning unit has been switched off. This affects the Strangers' Cafeteria along with other areas of the House. Chilling will be restored as soon as incoming electrical supplies permit.