§ 44. Mr. CHALMERSasked the First Commissioner of Works whether, owing to the difficulty of hearing on the Benches at the back of the House below the Gangway on the Opposition side, he will consider taking steps to remedy this, either by some mechanical device or otherwise?
§ The FIRST COMMISSIONER of WORKS (Mr. Ormsby-Gore)This matter has been carefully considered, from time to time, by my predecessors, who have held that the disadvantages of introducing loud-speakers, or general amplifiers, quite apart from expense, would outweigh any possible advantages. I fear that any alternative to loud-speakers, such as the device already in the House of Lords, by means of microphones installed on the table, would be impracticable in this House in view of the different places from which Members speak, and the inconvenience of telephone lines between the Benches. My prima facie view is that the overwhelming majority of Members can be heard without mechanical amplification.