§ Mr. WalterTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee what change has been made to the floodlighting of the river frontage of the Palace of Westminster. [60991]
§ Sir Sydney ChapmanA new floodlighting scheme for the riverside elevation of the Palace was switched on for the first time on 18 November. My Committee agreed that it should be implemented as part of this year's programme of works because the previous floodlighting arrangements on the terrace were so unsatisfactory. They had consisted of temporary lights which were placed on the terrace only during the summer recesses. At other times of the year this elevation of the building was not illuminated because the floodlighting caused nuisance by spilling light into the rooms on the river front. The night time view of the unlit Palace from the riverside was most disappointing, in contrast to other well-lit buildings along the river.
The new scheme has been designed so that the floodlights are close to the base of the wall. By casting light upwards at a shallow angle the nuisance from light spilling into rooms is greatly reduced and the effect is to highlight the modelling of the stonework. The lamps themselves are highly energy efficient, so the electricity cost of the new scheme is some 30 per cent. less than before.