HC Deb 15 June 1937 vol 325 cc200-1
63. Mr. Magnay

asked the First Commissioner of Works what is the number of clocks in the House of Commons; whether they are all hand-wound; and whether he will favourably consider the electrical synchronisation of them?

Sir P. Sassoon

There are about 265 clocks in the Palace of Westminster: they are all hand-wound. I will certainly consider my hon. Friend's suggestion.

Mr. Magnay

Does not the right hon. Gentleman think that it is a most untimely business not to have the synchronisation of all the clocks, seeing that the master clock of the Empire is on the premises, and that the other clocks should take their time from Big Ben?

Sir P. Sassoon

I think that the clocks in the Palace of Westminster were put in before synchronisation came into being.

Captain Gunston

Are the clocks all wound by one person, and is it a full-time job?

Mr. Macquisten

If they were to be synchronised, would that have the effect of shortening hon. Member's speeches?