MR. PACKEsaid, he wished to ask the First Commissioner of Works, as other illuminated clocks in the Metropolis give light through the night, Why the public are deprived of the light of the clock at the Palace of Westminster nightly at twelve o'clock?
MR. COWPER,in reply, said, the clock was illuminated only during those hours when its indications were most useful. It consumed a great deal of gas, and if it were lighted during the whole of the night he thought the French saying would apply, Le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle. The gas was turned off at twelve o'clock, or at a later hour if the House continued to sit. But if the House wished it to remain alight all night he had not objection to offer.