MR. J. ROWLANDS (Finsbury, E.)I beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he can state what quantity of gas was consumed in the Houses of Parliament in the year 1893; what was the total cost of the same; and what was the price charged per 1,000 cubic feet by the Company supplying the gas?
THE FIRST COMMISSIONER OF WORKS (Mr. H. GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.The total consumption of gas in 1893 in the Houses of Parliament and their precincts was 27,871,000 cubic feet; the total cost was £4,223, besides £33 for meter rents; and the price was 3s. 1d. per 1,000 feet, except for the street lamps, for which the charge is 2s. 2d. per 1,000.
MR. J. ROWLANDSI understand that the Vestries of London are paying for the gas used by them for all purposes at a uniform cost of 2s. 2d. per thousand, and I should be glad to know whether the right hon. Gentleman will approach the Gas Company with a view of getting them to supply all the gas required at the lower rate?
MR. H. GLADSTONEThere are two qualities of gas, I believe, supplied by the Company; but I will inquire into the matter.