§ MR. LEES KNOWLES(for Mr. HOWORTH) (Salford, S.) (Salford, W.)asked the First Commissioner of Works, Whether, during the ensuing Recess, he can see his way to make such an extension of the electric lighting arrange- 443 ments in the House as will check further injury to the stonework in the corridors and staircase leading from the Star Court to the Commons Lobby; and, whether it will be possible to carry the electric light into the different rooms connected with the Reporters' Gallery?
§ THE FIRST COMMISSIONER (Mr. PLUNKET) (Dublin University)I quite agree in the desirability of the objects sought by my hon. Friend, and I have under consideration a scheme for extending the electric lighting of this building, which would include and go somewhat further than the suggestion of my hon. Friend; but the cost of the installation would be considerable, and I must obtain the opinion of the Treasury upon its financial aspect. I fear it would not in any case be possible to complete the arrangements earlier than Easter.
§ SIR JOHN SWINBURNE (Staffordshire, Lichfield)inquired whether the right hon. Gentleman was aware that the electric light had been so dim in the Library that Members had had to use candles as auxiliaries?
§ MR. PLUNKETthought it must be very seldom that candles were used. He had never seen them in the Library.