HC Deb 13 March 1967 vol 743 cc41-3
42. Mr. Winnick

asked the Lord President of the Council if the television facilities for televising the Commons have been dismantled.

Mr. Crossman

No facilities for televising the Commons have ever been in- stalled, except temporarily for the last Opening of Parliament.

Mr. Winnick

Would it not have been wiser to have kept even these facilities, as sooner or later common sense will prevail and our proceedings will be televised?

Mr. Crossman

That is a matter of opinion. Until next Session we are bound by the decision which the House reached in its recent debate on procedure.

Mr. Driberg

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the Select Committee which reported on this matter to the House is still in existence and that it would, presumably, be competent for our Committee to consider the new situation which would arise if and when an experiment were held in another place? Can he also say what the Government's view is on how that experiment is to be paid for?

Mr. Crossman

I am aware of the report from another place on the possibility of an experiment, but I do not imagine that any financial difficulty will arise. I know how resourceful are the members of our own Select Committee and they will always do what they want, considering their terms of reference.

Sir S. McAdden

Will the Lord President of the Council use his influence to try to save his hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick) from his own enthusiasm? Has not the hon. Gentleman reliably been reported in the Press to have been seen in this Chamber poking his tongue out and—

Mr. Speaker

Order. A foolish question.

Mr. Mendelson

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that it is strange that some hon. Members, including some of my hon. Friends, who are always so keen on maintaining the sovereignty of the House of Commons should seem to take no notice at all of a decision reached by the House on a free vote? Can he give the House an assurance that the Government will accept that vote and will not move on this matter?

Mr. Speaker

This is a Question about dismantling.

Mr. Crossman

I can give my hon. Friend that assurance, although I need not give it. The decision will be maintained. I can tell my hon. Friend the Member for Croydon, South (Mr. Winnick) that minorities have their right of hope, if not, as my hon. Friend the Member for Penistone (Mr. Mendelson) will realise, of expectation.