§ 43. Sir W. Smithersasked the Minister of Works what steps he has taken during the last 12 months to install an up-to-date system of fluorescent lighting in official buildings; and what plans he has to continue such improvements during 1947.
§ Mr. KeyFluorescent lighting has been installed experimentally in certain Government buildings, particularly in drawing offices and typing rooms. My Ministry is keeping in touch with developments in this type of lighting, but the shortage of fittings, and particularly tubes, prevents any large scale programme of installation at present.
§ Sir W. SmithersWill the right hon. Gentleman make the programme as large as possible, because the country today is getting very tired of living by candlelight?
§ Mr. NuttingWill the right hon. Gentleman please consider giving fluorescent lighting to factories long before he gives it to official buildings?
§ Sir W. SmithersPassing the buck as usual.
§ 44. Colonel Clarkeasked the Minister of Works why his Department, on 3rd December last, informed the owners of 23, Buckingham Gate, that the minimum temperature standard had been raised from 60 to 65 degrees in all buildings where central heating is maintained on behalf of his Department.
§ Mr. KeyI regret that this information was given in error by one of my district officers to a number of lessors of premises in Government occupation. I have arranged for all concerned to be informed that the minimum temperature standard remains at 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
§ Colonel ClarkeCan the right hon. Gentleman inform me why his predecessor in office told me on 27th January:
The minimum standard temperature for central heating in all Government buildings is 60 degrees Fahrenheit. This minimum standard has not been raised in recent months, but has obtained for many years."—[OFFICIAL REPORT, 27th January, 1947: Vol. 432, c. 583.]
§ Mr. KeyAs I have said, there was a mistake in the directions that were given here, and that mistake has been corrected.