Big Ben is lying

To: House of Parliament

From: tim.fredriksson@gmail.com

Date: 06/02/2010 07:53 PM

Hi,

recently I visited London, and one of my sights was Big Ben. When I was standing below the clock I decided to syncronize my wrist watch with Big Ben. It felt as the right thing to do since you Brittish have invented time.

However, this was a big mistake. The time Big Ben is showing is wrong. It is two minutes late. Because of this I missed my train to Stansted Airport. And because of that I missed my flight and was forced to buy a new ticket. If you are having a Public Clock I think you have a responsibilty to show the right time. 

Now I wonder where I should send the bill for my extra flight ticket? 

Best Regards,

Tim Fredriksson

— ANSWER —: 

To: tim.fredriksson@gmail.com

From: 

House of Parliament

Date: 06/04/2010 11:27 AM

Dear Mr Fredriksson,

Thank you for your recent enquiry which was forwarded onto our office from the Webmaster.

I have spoken to a colleague, Mr [----------] from the Estates Directorate (who has been copied into this email) who has informed me that the clock is set three times a week and is a mechanical not electronic time piece.

However, if you could supply the precise date and time at which you set your watch Mr [------] will contact you.

I hope that this is helpful.

Yours sincerely,

[---------]

____________________________________________________________________________

House of Commons Information Office           

House of Commons                                          

London                                                             Email: hcinfo@parliament.uk

SW1A 2TT                                                         Web: http://www.parliament.uk

_____________________________________________________________________________

Providing information on the work, history and membership of the House of Commons