HC Deb 16 May 1912 vol 38 cc1428-9W
Mr. LYNCH

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the Report of the Departmental Committee on Accidents, 1911 (Cd. 5535), on page 81, the necessity is indicated of fixing standards for lighting; and whether he can state what steps, if any, he proposes to take to carry this recommendation into effect?

Mr. McKENNA

The subject has been under the consideration of my Department for some time past, with reference both to the recommendation of the Accidents Committee and also to the work which is being done on the Continent in the matter; and preliminary investigations have already been made. The questions involved are very complex and technical, and I propose in the near future to appoint a Departmental Committee of an expert character to report on the subject.

Mr. LYNCH

asked the Home Secretary whether his attention has been called to the fact that in the chief Continental countries the whole question of illuminants is receiving attention; that France has appointed a special committee to study the question exhaustively, and with especial regard to the lighting of factories, mines, and public buildings; that in Belgium a congress has devoted much consideration to the matter; that Holland has established a minimum standard for lighting factories; and that at the International Electrical Congress of Turin, 1911, it was decided to proceed to the formation of an international lighting committee; and whether, in view of the greater interests of this country involved in the question, steps will be taken to co-operate in this movement, and that a special commission on the subject be appointed?

Mr. McKENNA

The answer which I have just given to the hon. Member's previous question answers, I think, this question also.