HC Deb 16 November 1966 vol 736 cc438-9
41. Sir R. Russell

asked the Lord President of the Council for what purpose electric cables are hanging from the ceiling of Committee Room 9 in the Palace of Westminster without any appliances attached to them; and by what authority they were installed.

Mr. Crossman

In their Fourth Report of this Session which was made to the House on 9th August last, the Select Committee on House of Commons (Services) recommended the installation of permanent equipment for tape-recording the proceedings of Standing Committees in Committee Rooms 9, 11 and 12. The cables in Committee Room 9 will in due course have microphones attached to them for this purpose.

Sir R. Russell

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether that recommendation has been approved by the House and, if not, why these wires have been put in before the House has given approval?

Mr. Crossman

This is not about television. It is about a different method which has been evolved for a HANSARD record, and, as far as I can see, no objection has been made to trying out new methods of modern techniques for HANSARD recording.

Sir A. V. Harvey

As these rooms are occasionally used for party committee meetings, is there not a possibility that these could be taped?

Mr. Crossman

I would not think that there was any great danger, but, if the hon. Gentleman is alarmed, I and my fellow members of the Committee will take care that no such risks occur.