§ Mr. TylerTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee why more powerful light bulbs have been installed in various rooms and corridors of the Palace of Westminster; and what assessment he has made of the energy conservation efforts of this practice.
§ Mr. Ray PowellThe general policy on lighting in the Palace of Westminster over the last four years includes a rolling programme to install low-energy light bulbs wherever safety and the design of lighting allows. The result has been a 63 per cent. reduction in the use of electricity for lighting in those areas where such bulbs are used.
There is an additional programme throughout the Palace to overhaul the lighting in the corridors and to install emergency lighting. The use of modern electrical fitttings in these areas gives more efficient lighting but with a reduction in power consumption. Any instances where more powerful light bulbs have been installed have been at the request of Members.
I will ask the Director of Parliamentary Works to write to the hon. Member about the energy conservation programme.