HC Deb 16 May 1912 vol 38 cc1268-9
Mr. LYNCH

asked the hon. Member for St. George's-in-the-East, as representing the First Commissioner of Works, whether he is now prepared to communicate the report of the oculist whom he consulted in reference to the lighting of the House; whether he will take note that the whole problem involves many points that are not within the province of an oculist; and whether, in view of the developments that have in recent times taken place in regard to illuminants, he will advise the appointment of a special Commission to study the whole question?

Mr. WEDGWOOD BENN (Lord of the Treasury)

Dr. Collins's report is now in the hands of the printer and will be available in a few days' time. On this matter the First Commissioner has also consulted his adviser on questions of hygiene, and he is entirely favourable to the proposed change. The First Commissioner hopes that in view of these opinions hon. Members will agree that the course contemplated is desirable.

Mr. ASHLEY

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us whether the House is now lighted by gas or electricity?

Mr. W. BENN

I believe that, with the exception of one pane of glass, the whole of the ceiling lighting is at present by gas.

Lord BALCARRES

Apart from the recommendations of the experts, will the hon. Member say if he has had representations from Members of the House as a whole that the system of lighting ought to be altered?

Mr. W. BENN

I have not received any representations from Members of the House as a whole that they have any objections to the course proposed.

Lord BALCARRES

Has he had any representations from any definite body of Members that they are dissatisfied with the present system of lighting?

Mr. W. BENN

I have not had any representations in the terms of the Noble Lord's question. At the same time, I may say that representations have been made that the ventilation is imperfect, and the question of ventilation is closely associated with the question of lighting.

Mr. R. HARCOURT

With the proposed change will the light be more glaring?

Mr. W. BENN

When the electric light is put in place of gas I do not think hon. Members will be able to detect the difference. [An HON. MEMBER: "Then why change it?"]