HC Deb 30 April 1963 vol 676 cc893-4
31. Mr. Ridley

asked the Minister of Public Building and Works under what circumstances his Department will pay for simultaneous translation facilities in Committee Rooms of the House of Commons.

The Minister of Public Building and Works (Mr. Geoffrey Rippon)

Where they are formally requested by the House or by a Committee of the House.

Mr. Ridley

Does my right hon. Friend agree that this is a matter for the House and that the present arrangements do not seem to be satisfactory? Whenever these facilities are required in connection with an hon. Member's Parliamentary duties, will he undertake to provide them free of cost?

Mr. Rippon

As my hon. Friend says, this is really a matter for the House. Hitherto, when private meetings have been held under the auspices of Members of Parliament, these facilities have been provided on an ad hoc basis and payment has been made by the Members concerned. If there were widespread feeling on both sides of the House that these facilities should be generally available for such gatherings, whether by private Members or by groups of Members, I would certainly consider the matter further.

Mrs. Emmet

Is my right hon. Friend aware that at the last meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union there was a general desire among hon. Members, from both sides of the House, that these facilities should be available and that they might be very helpful in the strengthening of Commonwealth relations in the matter of languages as well as in the strengthen- ing of foreign relations? Will my right hon. Friend be prepared either to meet a delegation which is representative of both sides of the House to discuss the matter with him or to have a letter from both sides which he might consider so that we can get a Little further in this matter?

Mr. Rippon

I will willingly consider representations however they may be made.

Mr. C. Pannell

Will the Minister consider turning over this matter to a Committee, such as Mr. Speaker's Advisory Committee on the Library, for consideration? It seems to me that this is one of the facilities that should be provided from the House through a proper Committee. One envisages that perhaps the Library of the future ought to take care of matters like this. Perhaps the Minister could ascertain the needs through the Library Committee.

Mr. Rippon

I will gladly bear the hon. Member's suggestion in mind.