HC Deb 09 June 1971 vol 818 cc1039-40
35. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Lord President of the Council if he will recommend to the Services Committee that an experimental period of closed-circuit television should be available in St. Stephen's Hall for the benefit of visitors waiting to get into the Public Gallery.

The Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mr. William Whitelaw)

I think con- sideration of the hon. Member's suggestion must await the House's decision on the general issue of televising our proceedings.

Mr. Dalyell

Since many of us are already receiving requests for tickets to view the Common Market debate and since, in its unwisdom or otherwise, the House has decided that this great debate will not be televised, should not those who have taken the trouble to come here, rather than simply having to wait for hours outside, queuing in St. Stephen's, at least have the chance of seeing what is going on?

Mr. Whitelaw

I am sure that the Services Committee will be prepared to consider any such proposal if that is the general feeling of the House. I can only point out that steps in this direction have to be taken very tentatively because even the annunciators to show people in the Strangers Gallery and those in the Press Gallery who is speaking in the House received on the whole a somewhat critical reception after their introduction yesterday.

Mr. Montgomery

Would my right hon. Friend bear in mind that there is a risk that people waiting in St. Stephen's Hall watching the proceedings of this House on closed-circuit television, seeing some of the performances we have to witness from the other side of the House, might change their mind about coming and we might have a very empty Public Gallery?

Mr. Whitelaw

All of these are matters which can be considered. If the House thinks it is worth while considering them, I am prepared that they should be considered.

Mr. Edwin Wainwright

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that since the reduction of the voting age to 18, secondary school children are becoming more and more interested in how Parliament works? Would he take note of this and, if it is at all possible, instead of using only St. Stephen's Hall, let Great Hall, Westminster, be available to the public?

Mr. Whitelaw

These matters are always controversial in the House. However I have noted the hon. Gentleman's views and I will certainly see that the Services Committee considers these possibilities.