HC Deb 24 April 1950 vol 474 cc589-90
39. Mr. Haire

asked the Minister of Works if he will improve the lighting in the Central Lobby of the House of Commons.

Mr. Stokes

As I explained in my reply of 20th March to my hon. Friend, the main chandelier in the Central Lobby cannot be used until a new switchboard has been installed for the new Chamber. I hope that this switchboard will be installed by the end of the summer.

Mr. Haire

Is it not very unlike my right hon. Friend to want to keep the affairs of his Department in the dark? Will he remember that from the point of view of visitors who will be here before the end of the summer the Central Lobby is the centre of democracy, and not a shady museum?

Mr. Stokes

If my hon. Friend realised the engineering problems involved in the changes now taking place he would know that it is impossible to do what he desires.

Mr. Keeling

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that there is no such place as the Central Lobby of the House of Commons?