HC Deb 19 December 1946 vol 431 cc441-2W
Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Works in how many parts of the Palace of Westminster, normally used by Members of Parliament after dark, does the standard of electric lighting fall below the standard acceptable to His Majesty's inspectors of factories for industrial establishments; and what steps does he propose to take to improve the present low standard prevailing.

Mr. Tomlinson

I am advised that in general the lighting of all parts of the Palace used by hon. Members after dark does not fall at present below the standards prescribed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour. All lighting has been restored to prewar standards or above, excepting in St. Stephen's, the Central and Westminster Halls, the Library Corridor, the Committee Corridor and the Lower Waiting Hall, where with the agreement of the authorities of the House, a reduction continues to be made in the interests of fuel economy. In the first two of these places, an improvement in the lighting has recently been made.

Mr. Erroll

asked the Minister of Works why the electric lighting in the Central Hall of the Palace of Westminster is of so low a standard; and when it will be raised to the standard prevailing in the London underground railways.

Mr. Tomlinson

With the agreement of the authorities of the House, the lighting of the Central Hall has been reduced in order to save fuel. I am advised that it is not at present inferior to that provided on the Underground railway stations, but restoration to the full prewar standard is prevented for the time being not only by the need to save current, but by the shortage of certain special equipment destroyed during the war.