HC Deb 18 April 1946 vol 421 cc2895-6
Mr. Gallacher

Before we start the Business of the House, Mr. Speaker, may I ask a question? Can you give me any information as to why the lantern light over Big Ben was out last night at nine o'clock, when I came back from a meeting, causing me to go home, with a consequent shock when I heard on the radio at 11 o'clock that the House was still sitting?

Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

Had not the hon. Member better ask his colleagues?

Mr. Speaker

Do I understand that the hon. Member is suggesting that the light on Big Ben went out by mistake?

Mr. Gallagher

Yes, at nine o'clock last night, as I came off the bus, I asked a policeman if the House had risen, and he said that it must have done, as the light was out, so I went home.

Mr. Speaker

I do not know what the answer to that is, but I can assure the hen. Member that I did not turn the light out.

Sir T. Moore

Was it not a plot on the part of the hon. Gentleman's colleagues to ensure that he went home?

Mr. Speaker

The light was on at ten o'clock, but whether it was out at nine o'clock I do not know.