§ 4. Mr. du Cannasked the Minister of Works whether he will arrange for the ordinary lighting in Westminster Hall to be disconnected and the floodlights to be permanently switched on during the hours of darkness in order that the unique beauty of the hammer-beam roof may be better appreciated.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Harmar Nicholls)The floodlights alone would not give enough light in the body of the Hall after dark. Members can themselves switch the floodlights on and off at any time.
§ Mr. du CannMy suggestion was that the ordinary lighting should be disconnected because the flood lighting was so much better. Would not my hon. Friend agree with that suggestion?
§ Mr. NichollsI am advised that flood lighting alone would not have the effect which the hon. Member has in mind.
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodIf the conventional lighting cannot be dismantled altogether, can it be redesigned so that we may have a more appropriate kind?
§ Mr. NichollsIf the hon. Gentleman will make use of the switch on the panel near the Crypt and have all the lights on together, he will see that the effect is admirable. We had a long discussion of this matter at Question Time, and we have tried to meet the requirements of the House. Since that occurred only in July, it may well be advisable to give a longer time before we think of altering it again.