HC Deb 19 January 1972 vol 829 cc461-2
37. Mr. Dalyell

asked the Lord President of the Council what plans he has for improving facilities for visitors to the House of Commons during the summer and autumn of 1972; and whether he will make arrangements for visitors queueing to enter the Chamber to view closed-circuit television.

Mr. Whitelaw

The question of access to the Palace of Westminster by constituents is under consideration by the Services Committee which will report in due course. The provision of closed-circuit television for visitors queueing to enter the Chamber must await the result of a debate on televising the proceedings of the House of Commons.

Mr. Dalyell

Would the shade of Lord Falkland mind very much if a television set were perched on his statue in St. Stephen's Hall, so that those waiting to come in should be able to know something of what is going on?

Mr. Whitelaw

I do not think that the shade of Lord Falkland would mind, but many hon. Members who object to televising the proceedings of this House would mind very much.

Mr. Chapman

In this regard, would not my right hon. Friend look at the possibility of members of the public being able to use the other seats in the Galleries if they are vacant?

Mr. Whitelaw

In answer to the hon. Member for West Lothian (Mr. Dalyell) and to my hon. Friend, I would say that we should all be most anxious to do all we can to improve the facilities for those people who wish to visit the Palace of Westminster. I am most anxious to do so, as is the Services Committee; our problem is largely one of space, but we will certainly do all we can to help.

Mr. Michael Foot

How speedily does the right hon. Gentleman think that the question of television both inside the House and outside can be brought before the House again for a decision? It is quite a long time since the matter was settled, and then only by a single vote. Surely the right hon. Gentleman should come forward with proposals at an early date for the House to be able to settle this question so that these facilities, if it is decided to do so, could be provided this summer for visitors.

Mr. Whitelaw

I entirely agree with the hon. Gentleman. As I hope I made clear in answer to his hon. Friend the Member for West Lothian, the position of closed-circuit television for our visitors is inextricably bound up with the question of whether or not we televise our own proceedings in this House.

Mr. Dalyell

No.

Mr. Whitelaw

I am afraid that I am technically advised that this is so. As for when I bring the matter forward for a debate, I am anxious to do so as soon as possible and I shall consult through the usual channels as to when this should be done.