HC Deb 12 April 1960 vol 621 cc1058-9
9. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Works when he last reviewed the problem of acoustics in the Chamber and Upstairs Committee Rooms of the House of Commons; and if he will make a statement.

Lord John Hope

Reviews have just been completed of the acoustics in the House of Commons Chamber and in Committee Room No. 14. I am satisfied that in the Chamber the amplification system works well.

Hon. Members

No.

Lord John Hope

Hon. Members have heard perfectly well what I said or they would not have made that interruption.

I recognise that there is difficulty in hearing speeches in Committee Room No. 14, and I am considering the possibility of improving matters here. My attention has not been drawn to any difficulties in other Committee Rooms.

Mr. Chetwynd

Is not the real trouble mumbling Ministers?

Mr. Pavitt

Is the Minister aware that from the bench where I sit it is impossible to hear my hon. Friends the Members for South Ayrshire (Mr. Emrys Hughes), Oldham, West (Mr. Hale) and Nelson and Colne (Mr. S. Silverman)? [An HON. MEMBER: "YOU are lucky."] In view of the technical advances in reproduction which permit one to have high fidelity in the home, is it too much to ask that we should at least have good reproduction in the House? Has the right hon. Gentleman consulted the medical profession about the effect on the health of hon. Members through the appalling posture which they have to adopt, with one ear by the amplifier in the bench behind them and one eye on the hon. Member who is speaking? While we welcome the news that the Minister is taking the opportunity to look at conditions in Committee Room 14, will he also have a look at Committee Rooms 10 and 11, where some hon. Members have difficulty in hearing the proceedings in Standing Committee?

Lord John Hope

I will certainly consider the difficulties in the other Committee Rooms to which the hon. Member refers. With regard to this Chamber, I do not, seriously, believe that any hon. Member really thinks that if hon. Members spoke up they would not be heard everywhere.

Mr. Hale

Would the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that the advantage of not being able to hear speeches is one of which some of us would not willingly be deprived? Will he tell us who are the Officers of the House to whom he must refer questions relating to acoustics or Library accommodation, where they are to be found, and what he is paid for?

Lord John Hope

I do not want to waste the time of the House. The hon. Gentleman will find that question amply dealt with by myself and others during the debate on accommodation.

Captain Pilkington

With regard to the Committee Rooms upstairs, is it not a fact that the Press has very little difficulty in hearing what goes on?