§ MR. WEIRI beg to ask the First Commissioner of Works whether he will consider the advisability of providing the Houses of Parliament with an electric lighting installation instead of taking the current from an outside source, at a cost of three times more than if it were generated on the premises; and whether he is aware that there is ample space for such an installation, and that the outlay for dynamos and additional power would be quickly recouped by the saving which would be effected?
§ MR. H. GLADSTONEThis matter of providing the Houses of Parliament with electric installation has already received careful consideration. The evidence before mo shows that no complete installation of electric-lighting machinery and plant can be established within the building without occasional serious interference with its proper ventilation, and we have already some experience with a partial installation which confirms this view. The generation of electricity within the building has been abandoned, both for this reason and because the 559 boilers now existing are no longer strong enough to bear the strain of working both the ventilation and lighting systems. The cost of constructing a complete electrical station outside the building in connection with the warming and ventilating arrangements has been considered, and it would probably reach £30,000 or £40,000; while the expense of wages and maintenance would also be very heavy. The subject will receive further attention, but, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it must be deferred for the present. Taking into account the capital outlay, I am not at all prepared to admit that the saving would be anything like that suggested.