§ 4. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Fuel and Power whether he is aware that in some Government offices the window curtains in the corridors, landings and staircases are drawn at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 1 p.m. on Saturdays because the messenger in charge goes home at that hour; and whether he will make it an offence to cause any waste of fuel in Government offices?
§ The Minister of Fuel and Power (Major Lloyd George)The whole question of lighting in Government offices is under consideration. Government offices are expected to conform to the general regulations on this subject. On the second part of the Question I am in consultation with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who has promised to issue instructions on the subject to all Government Departments.
§ Mr. KeelingDoes the right hon. and gallant Gentleman think that the practice of drawing curtains five or six hours before the sun sets can possibly be justified?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeIn my own Department, as my hon. Friend is no doubt aware, six o'clock is the time when the messengers usually go off duty, and they draw the curtains then, but if any officer is left working, they are not drawn, and he is responsible at whatever time he leaves for having the curtains drawn, and that has been the practice for some time.