§ SIR COLMAN O'LOGHLENasked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether, in consequence of the fire which had taken place that evening in the Clock Tower, it was his intention to make any alteration in the mode of lighting, and whether he would adopt different colored lights—one red, and the other green?
§ MR. AYRTONsaid, he was happy to assure the right hon. and learned Gentleman that he had incurred no danger by attending in the House to discharge his duty, for the interior of the pinnacle of the tower was built entirely of iron, and there fore could not burn. In deference to the wish of hon. Members, he had been engaged in experiments to discover the best sort of light to place in the tower, and a piece of board used as a support had caught fire from the heat. The accident, however, would not interrupt the exhibition of the light. He must repeat that the only damage that had been done was the burning of a slight wooden screen, but the sparks had attracted the notice of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, and the greatest excitement that had occurred was caused by the arrival of two fire engines. As the House contributed £10,000 a-year to the fire brigade, it was a matter of satisfaction that they were on the alert, and it would probably induce the House to vote that particular item in the Estimates more willingly. With regard to the suggestion as to colored lights, they knew that in Ireland the people rather delighted in colors as emblematical of party, but as the House was composed of all parties, he thought a uniform white light would suit best.
§ House adjourned at a quarter before One o'clock till Monday next.