HC Deb 26 April 1960 vol 622 cc2-3
1. Mrs. Castle

asked the Minister of Works whether he will provide the equipment for a central dictation system in the Palace of Westminster for the use of hon. Members.

The Minister of Works (Lord John Hope)

I cannot add anything to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House during the debate on accommodation on 31st March, when he said that he would discuss matters such as this with my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

Mrs. Castle

Is the Minister aware that he is proposing to embark upon an expenditure of some £250,000 on structural alterations under the roof, a part of which is to increase secretarial accommodation, whereas if we had a central dictation system it might actually reduce the amount of individual secretarial accommodation required? Will the right hon. Gentleman, therefore, go into the matter very carefully from the point of view of cost and the convenience of hon. Members before he proceeds any further with his more expensive plan?

Lord John Hope

I am sure my right hon. Friend will take note of what the hon. Lady has said, and I personally will bring it to his attention.

Mrs. Castle

Whilst thanking the Minister for that further reply, may I ask him if in due course he will please make a report to the House on his findings in the matter?

Lord John Hope

That is asking me to report on these discussions for which my right hon. Friend the Leader of the House is himself taking responsibility. Therefore, I do not think I can go as far as that.

Mr. Nabarro

Will my right hon. Friend bear in mind that if the Ministry of Works provided dictating machines it would be far cheaper in economy of accommodation than seeking to provide additional accommodation so that Members may dictate their correspondence in one place and then the stenographer goes off to type it in another? Will not my right hon. Friend mechanise the House of Commons and increase its productivity, which he advocates elsewhere?

Lord John Hope

My hon. Friend's productivity goes very well without mechanisation.