HC Deb 08 August 1840 vol 55 cc1396-8
Mr. Hume

said, that before the Session closed, there ought to be some understanding as to what was to be done respecting the lighting of the House in the next Session. They ought to decide whether Me Gurney should be allowed to proceed in the recess with the plan of lighting which he had already greatly improved since his first experiments, and in which he contemplated still greater improvements between this and next Session. The light, even as it now was, was a rich mellow light, and in no way offensive to the sight. He hoped, therefore, that Mr. Gurney would be authorised to provide during the recess materials for completing his arrangements; and he believed that when the house, and the library, the division rooms, and the lobbies were lighted up with this mellow light, the whole plan would be found to give as much satisfaction as that part of it they already saw in the house. He trusted, therefore, that the Speaker would give the necessary directions for going on with the plan in the recess, and also with the plan for improving the ventilation of the house, which had hitherto been so successfully carried on by Dr. Reid. He would now move, that during the recess Mr. Gurney be permitted to proceed with his apparatus for lighting the house.

Mr. Warburton,

in seconding the motion, bore testimony to the great improvement that had been made by Mr. Gurney's plan, which was beyond all comparison superior to the light of candles; it tended also greatly to improve the ventilation, because it facilitated the creation of a down current of air in the house, which it would be impossible to have as long as it was lighted with candles.

Sir C. Burrell

feared, that if a strong down current was formed, it would be necessary for him and others who, like him, had not hair to protect their heads, to wear their hats, or, like an illustrious personage in another house, wear a black cap. With respect to the Bude light, he owned he was at first unfavourable to it, but since the first experiment a considerable improvement had been made, and the light was now very good; and, taking the light and the improved ventilation together, he would say, that the present house was a paradise compared to the old House of Commons.

Mr. Hawes

said, that much credit was due to the gentleman who had undertaken the ventilation of the house, and whose plan had been so successful. As to the Bude light, he admitted that it had been greatly improved, but he hoped that the improvement would be carried still further, so that they might have the house fully lighted, without having the source of that light visible within it.

Mr. Elliot

said, that as far as his own observations went, and from what he had heard of the opinions of others, he should think the general opinion of the House was, that the present mode of lighting was nearly perfect.

Mr. Hume

said, that he had made the motion for the purpose of giving gentlemen an opportunity of expressing their opinion, and, as the general feeling of the House seemed to be in favour of the experiments being continued, under the direction of the Speaker, he would with leave now withdraw it.

Motion withdrawn.