HC Deb 24 February 1943 vol 387 c155
33. Commander Bower

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he will now put plain glass into the windows of the Libraries and Committee Rooms of the House of Commons?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)

I regret that I see difficulty in complying with the hon. and gallant Member's suggestion. Most of the metal window frames in these rooms have been severely damaged by blast and would require to be renewed before glass could be installed. In view of the shortage of labour and materials, I hope the proposal will not be pressed at the present time.

Commander Bower

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that at any time after about 10 o'clock in the morning, when the sun gets up, Members who wish to work in the Libraries and Committee Rooms have to do so in Stygian gloom? If we cannot have God's daylight, can we have some better artificial light?

Mr. Hicks

I have been through the Libraries and have seen and have consulted Members working in them. Naturally I should like to be able to reinstate the glass and to give natural as well as artificial light. We are doing the maximum that we can.