HC Deb 08 May 1912 vol 38 cc398-9
Mr. SAMUEL YOUNG

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, if, in consequence of Members finding it difficult, if not impossible, to read their notes, he will see his way to remedying the lighting of the Chamber of the House of Commons?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

The alterations which it is proposed to make will allow the illumination on the benches to be increased to any desired value. Experiments are now being made to find the lighting value all over the floor of the House.

Mr. SAMUEL YOUNG

Does the hon. Member approve of the system of lighting the Chamber through a glass medium?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

Yes. As I have stated in answer to questions, it is proposed, after having a report from the specialist who examines this matter to alter the lighting.

Lord BALCARRES

Is there really any general demand for increasing the strength or intensity of the light?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

I think, perhaps the Noble Lord should wait and see the report which will shortly be laid on the Table. The matter affects the ventilation of the House also.

Mr. KING

Is it not the fact that on some days the gas is much stronger than on other days?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN

If the hon. Gentleman refers to the illumination he will find that it is impossible to turn the gas up very high on some days because the fan is likely to blow it out.