HC Deb 11 December 1893 vol 19 cc1017-8
MR. WEBB (Waterford, W.)

I beg to ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, although a large sum has within the last few years been spent on the erection and arrangement of the National Library of Ireland in Dublin, this Library is yet so far incomplete that one-fourth or more of the book shelves can, unless on bright summer days, be examined only by artificial light; and whether, in view of the danger involved in the use of hand oil lamps in such a Library, and the trouble which they occasion to the attendants in the search for books, the Government is prepared to arrange for such a system of electric lighting as will render the book-shelves available at all times?

THE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir J. T. HIBBERT, Oldham)

The lighting of the book store at the National Library on dark afternoons is, no doubt, unsatisfactory, and the question of the best arrangement to be made will be considered by the Board of Works and the authorities of the Library.