HC Deb 13 February 1951 vol 484 cc175-6
7. Mr. Henry Hopkinson

asked the Minister of Works if he will consider installing in the Members' Lobby the five brass chandeliers, originally in Sir Christopher Wren's 18th Century House of Commons and acquired by his Department in 1946, in place of the five existing fluorescent lights.

Mr. Stokes

The chandeliers which are believed to have hung in the temporary House of Commons fitted up after the tire of 1834 cannot be adapted for the fluorescent lighting used in the Members' Lobby. I propose to hang three of the chandeliers on the staircase leading from the Lower to the Upper Waiting Halls. One is already temporarily in suspension.

Mr. Hopkinson

Everyone in the House appreciates the interest the Minister takes in these questions and the action which he is already thinking of taking in regard to these chandeliers, but does he not realise that at the moment the fluorescent lights in the Members' Lobby are so bright that there cannot be more than two on at a time, and would it not be worth while considering putting in the more old-fashioned types of lighting instead?

Mr. Stokes

No, that is not the case. The reason only two are lighted is in the interests of fuel economy. I know that there is criticism of the fluorescent lights, but it would be quite impracticable to change them to the old candelabra; they just would not work at all. If the fluorescent lighting were changed, it would cost a very considerable sum of money, and it would have to be reviewed.

Mr. Snow

Apart from the practical consideration of saving fuel, is my right hon. Friend aware that there is no great difference between neo-Gothic fluorescent lighting and electrically equipped 17th Century chandeliers?

Mr. Stokes

My hon. Friend had better try that one on the architect.

Mr. York

Is the right hon. Gentleman still absolutely convinced that it is pleasant to sit under this beastly fluorescent lighting? Would not something in the nature of chandeliers be very much more easy on the eye?

Mr. Stokes

That really has nothing to do with this Question. Before the new Chamber was opened, I had the lights completely changed round so as to improve the colour, and I think we had much better endure this a little longer and see how we get on.