HC Deb 26 February 1894 vol 21 cc1026-7
MR. WEIR

I beg to ask the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention has been called to a letter in the newspapers by Mr.James Keith, C.E., of 57, Holborn Viaduct, stating that outside the precincts of the Houses of Parliament more than ordinary danger from high tension electric currents has to be faced, seeing the public streets around or near the Legislative Chambers are intersected in almost every direction by underground high voltage electric cables; and what could so easily happen under 2,000 volts in Bournemouth may, under certain conditions, and under a higher voltage, perhaps occur more easily in the streets of London: and whether any effective means of dealing with leakage of high voltage electricity in underground cables have yet been placed at the disposal of the Board of Trade?

MR. MUNDELLA

Yes, Sir. In 1890 the Board of Trade made Regulations which, after consulting the highest scientific authorities, were deemed to be sufficient. If experience shows that any amplification or alteration of these Regulations is desirable they will be amended in the necessary direction.

*MR. WEIR

Is not the high tension system in use around the Houses of Parliament, and is there not great danger to foot passengers in consequence?

MR. MUNDELLA

said, that according to expert advice there was ample protection for all purposes.