§ DR. TANNER (Cork Co., Mid)asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether it is a fact that, although a great portion of the offices could be more cheaply and efficiently lit by electricity, the present engine is inadequate to give the necessary supplement; whether, when the engine was first chosen, attention was called to its disproportionate size; whether a room, called the Ex- 1810 chequer Room, can now be utilised to hold a larger engine of increased power; and, whether he will recommend the substitution of an engine which will give the requisite supply for the existing engine?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)I doubt whether the offices of the House of Commons could be more cheaply lighted by electricity than by gas, though in other respects the electric light is certainly preferable; but it is quite true that the present plant is inadequate to meet any further demands upon it. I have asked Dr. Percy to prepare for me a complete plan and estimate for a considerably increased plan for lighting the whole of the Palace with electricity, on the chance that I may some day find the House in a sufficiently generous mood to vote the additional expense; but small additions from time to time would, I am advised, be very expensive, and I could not recommend their adoption.