69. Mr. R. W. SMITHasked the First Commissioner of Works how much has been spent within the past year on alterations to the lighting of the chamber, corridors, and rooms of the House of Commons; if it is proposed there should be further alterations; and, if so, how much they will cost?
§ Mr. LANSBURYThe expenditure on the alterations to the lighting in the House of Commons during the present financial year has been approximately £1,000, and during the preceding financial year, £500. The answer to the second part of the question is in the affirmative. No decision has yet been reached as to the ultimate extent of the improvements and I regret therefore that it is not possible to furnish an estimate.
Mr. SMITHDoes the right hon. Gentleman not consider that in view of the present financial position of the country it is inadvisable— —[interruption].
§ Mr. LANSBURYI think the hon. Member may take it for granted that we in the House of Commons are not in the position of those people who "loved darkness rather than light."