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Electric Lighting,
Various Electric Light Companies applied to Parliament
during the Session, 1882, for power to supply electricity
for lighting and other purposes in the Metropolis and elsewhere,
under powers similar to those of gas and water
companies.
These various Bills were referred to a Select Committee
of the House of Commons, together with a Bill prepared by
the Board of Trade, dealing generally with the same
subject.
The Committee, after hearing lengthy evidence on the
matter, reported to the House in favour of the Board of
Trade's Bill, which ultimately passed the Legislature and
became law.
It is known as the Electric Lighting Act, 1882, and its
purpose is to " facilitate and regulate the supply of electricity
in Great Britain and Ireland," and with that object
gives very large powers to the Board of Trade, empowering
that Board to grant licenses and Provisional Orders, authorizing
local authorities, companies, and persons to supply
electricity within certain areas.
In accordance with the provisions of the Act, notices
were served on your Board by the four following Electric
Lighting Companies—The Metropolitan (Brush) Electric
Light Company, Limited; The Edison Electric Light
and Power Company, Limited; The Swan United Electric
Light Company, Limited; The Pilsen-Joel and General
Electric Light Company, Limited—seeking power to supply
electricity within the St. Giles District.