§ Mr. LYNCHasked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether, in view of the fact that under certain conditions electric light is more fatiguing to the eyes than gas-light, and under other conditions may be preferable, he will be guided by expert advice in the installation of any new system in the House of Commons?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe First Commissioner will be happy to obtain the opinion of an oculist upon the question.
§ Mr. LYNCHIn a matter of this kind the whole question is not that of illumination, but there should also be taken into consideration other waves that may be given out by electric light besides those which are illuminative.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNAll these matters will be taken into consideration by the First Commissioner.
§ Major ANSTRUTHER-GRAYIs this an illustration of the new electric light?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe illumination is by gas at present.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREasked the hon. Member representing the First Commissioner whether he would appoint a Select Committee of Members of this House to inquire into the question of the best method of lighting the House before he makes any alteration in the existing system of lighting by gas?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNIf it is the wish of the House that a Select Committee should be appointed the First Commissioner will be glad to accede to it. He is, however, consulting expert medical opinion on the question; and I would suggest that the hon. Member should defer any further action until the Report has been laid before the House.
§ Mr. LYNCHMay I ask the hon. Member to take note of the great interest which attaches to this matter, because since the installation of electric light many questions have arisen and have not been discussed? I would like to press for a non-contentious Committee.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNThe First Commissioner is taking the opinion of an oculist, and pending the giving of that opinion, perhaps the hon. Gentleman will allow the matter to remain in abeyance.
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREWill anything be done while we are waiting for the report?
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNNothing further will be done until the oculist has reported.