HC Deb 15 July 1935 vol 304 cc741-3
24. Sir M. McKENZIE WOOD

asked the First Commissioner of Works whether there is an alternative supply of electric current for lighting the Houses of Parliament; and whether he has taken any steps to prevent another failure in the lighting system?

The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)

The recent failure of the lighting was due to a breakdown at the supply sub-station. While there are alternative cables which can be used if the circuit usually used is broken, there is at present no alternative source of supply. The latter would, I am informed, involve very heavy expenditure, but I am communicating further with the Electricity Commissioners on the point. Meanwhile arrangements are being made to secure an adequate supply of candles in case of another breakdown.

Mr. THORNE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is another form of lighting that never fails?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

If the hon. Member refers to gas, he must remember that to put gas into this House in lieu of electric light would be a most elaborate and costly undertaking.

Lieut.-Colonel SANDEMAN ALLEN

Is there not enough gas in the House already?

Mr. WEST

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that much of the electric lighting equipment of the House is obsolete and out of date?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

I do not think I could say that authoritatively. A good deal has been done in recent years to bring it more up to date. As I pointed out, there was no breakdown of the system in the House or in the connections between the House and the supply, but a breakdown at the source of the supply. If the "juice" is cut off, you do not get any light.

Captain HAROLD BALFOUR

Are we to understand that there is one centralised source of supply for this House and an area of London, and does the right hon. Gentleman consider it satisfactory, in view of the possibility of an emergency arising, that it should be so centralised?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE

That is rather the suggestion I made in my original answer. We are entirely dependent at present on one source of supply. I understood that the idea of the grid system was that if one source of supply was knocked out there would be a means of speedy transfer to another source of supply, and that is what I am inquiring about.

Mr. THORNE

Have the Government ever considered the advisability of having their own installation as a stand-by?

Mr. MACQUISTEN

And with a gas engine to drive it.