HC Deb 03 May 1944 vol 399 c1308
26. Mr. Salt

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether he has any further statement to make about the improvement of the acoustics of the Chamber to which he referred in his reply to the hon. Member for Central Aberdeen (Sir R. W. Smith) on 20th October last.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. Hicks)

Following upon a series of tests carried out with the assistance of the B.B.C., arrangements have been made for the temporary installation of loudspeakers under the benches between the centre cross gangway and the Bar of the House. These loudspeakers were used on Budget Day with, I think, beneficial results. In order that the considered opinions of Members may be obtained, the apparatus, with Mr. Speaker's permission, is being tried out until Whitsun. I would ask hon. Members, if they see something under their feet, not to kick it. I have been told that below the Gangway Members can now be heard quite distinctly.

Mr. Kirkwood

A vote of thanks to the hon. Gentleman.