HC Deb 17 February 1943 vol 386 cc1746-7W
Sir. A. Beit

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether, with a view to the economy of electricity and the comfort of honourable Members, he will arrange for clear glass to be placed in the windows of the Chamber?

Mr. Hicks

While I much appreciate the necessity for fuel economy and natural light, I regret that it would not be possible for glass to be replaced in the windows of the Chamber without serious detriment to the acoustics. As I indicated in my reply of 22nd October, 1941, to the hon. Member for Morpeth (Mr. R. J. Taylor) absorbent tiles have been fixed in the windows for the specific purpose of improving the acoustics on the Floor of the Chamber. This was done on the recommendation of the officials of the National Physical Laboratory, who gave very careful consideration to possible alternatives.