§ 5. Mr. A. Lewisasked the Minister of Works whether he has yet been able to arrange for Members of Parliament to have the benefit of the personal call system as in operation at many of the large London offices and hospitals; and whether he will make the necessary arrangements for a demonstration of this system to take place in the House of Commons
§ Lord John HopeI am keeping this possibility under review, but I am not yet satisfied that there is a general demand for this facility.
§ Mr. LewisAlthough I wish to pay a sincere tribute to the Serjeant at Arms and his messenger staff, is the Minister aware that it is virtually impossible for them to contact Members quickly, because there are so many rooms in the Palace of Westminster and they have such a long way to travel? With this personal call system it would be possible for Members to be contacted within seconds, wherever they may be in the Palace. As this system works in every other large establishment, it would surely be an ideal method for Members to receive notice of urgent telephone calls, if nothing else. Will the Minister reconsider the matter?
§ Lord John HopeI am still not convinced that there is a demand for this service in the House. If there were I would naturally do my best to help.