§ MR. J. W. BARCLAY (Forfarshire)asked the President of the Board of Trade, In how many cases the powers obtained by Provisional Orders under the Electric Lighting Act of 1882 have been actually exercised; whether he can inform the House why so little progress has been made with electric lighting under the Act of 1882; and, whether the Government intends to amend the Act, with the view of encouraging the development of electric lighting?
§ THE PRESIDENT (Sir MICHAEL HICKS-BEACH) (Bristol, W.)Since the passing of the Electric Lighting Act, 59 Provisional Orders and five licences have been granted to Companies, and 15 Provisional Orders and two licences to Local Authorities. The Board of Trade are not aware of any cases in which the powers obtained are now being exercised. It is not possible to express an opinion as to the reasons which may have led to this result within the limits of a reply to a Question. A Bill to amend the Act has been introduced in "another place," on which the views of the Government will be stated and issues fully discussed.
§ MR. MUNDELLA (Sheffield, Brightside)inquired, whether the Bill would give increased powers?
§ SIR MICHAEL HICKS-BEACHreplied, that that was a matter that would be more conveniently met on the second reading.