§ 58. Mr. M. Samuelasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, in view of the undesirability of placing a clock above the Speaker's chair, he will consider, as an alternative to the memorial sent to him by the hon. Member for West Leeds (Mr. V. Adams), the placing of a second and third clock in the Chamber, one in the middle of the Members' Gallery facing the Government Benches and the other facing the Opposition benches?
59. Mr. V. Adamsasked the First Com missioner of Works whether he can now pronounce a decision upon the express desire of a majority of the House of Commons for a second clock in the Chamber of the House above Mr. Speaker's chair?
§ Sir P. SassoonAfter making inquiries through the usual channels, I am not satisfied that there is such definite demand 28 for an additional clock, or clocks, in this Chamber as to warrant their introduction, more especially as it could not do otherwise than impair the harmony of the architectural design of the Chamber.
Mr. V. AdamsMay I ask how the disharmony in the House could be caused when there is one clock between the Bar and a clock also over Mr. Speaker's chair? Would not my proposal create symmetry in the arrangements of the Chamber? Further, is the First Commissioner aware that without the least trouble I procured the signatures of a clear majority of Members of this House, and that I could have got over 100 more signatures with hardly any additional trouble?
§ Sir P. SassoonI cannot approach Mr. Speaker on this subject unless I am informed through the usual channels that there is an overwhelming majority in favour of the proposal.
§ Mr. M. SamuelWill the First Commissioner consider having "TIM" arranged for the hon. Member for West Leeds (Mr. A. Adams).
§ Mr. MacquistenIs it not perfectly evident from the length of hon. Members' speeches that there are not nearly enough clocks in the House?
Mr. V. AdamsOwing to the extremely unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise the matter at the earliest possible opportunity.