HC Deb 28 June 1955 vol 543 c176
3. Mr. John Hall

asked the Minister of Works what action has been taken to improve the acoustics of the Chamber of the House of Commons.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works (Mr. J. R. Bevins)

Certain of the loudspeakers were adjusted during the Whitsun Recess, and the operating company which maintains the amplification system is making a detailed examination of it. We hope to effect an improvement during the Summer Recess.

Mr. Hall

Is my hon. Friend aware that I moved a little further from the Gangway and so heard every word of his reply, but is he aware that the acoustics are still not very good for those at this end of the Chamber? Would he bear in mind the old Chinese proverb, "Words of the greatest celestial wisdom do not take root in the mind unless they are heard"?

Mr. Bevins

That is not always so, of course. We are hoping to get the report from the operating company before the long Recess.