HC Deb 10 May 1976 vol 911 c29
35. Mr. Loan Evans

asked the Lord President of the Council what arrangements are proposed for the sound broadcasting of the proceedings of the House of Commons; and if he will make a statement.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Privy Council Office (Mr. William Price)

The House resolved on 9th April that a Select Committee of Members should join with a Committee appointed by the Lords to consider the implementation of the decisions of both Houses in favour of the establishment of a permanent system of sound broadcasting of parliamentary proceedings. This Joint Committee has since had its first meeting, and we must await its recommendations.

Mr. Evans

In view of the success of the early experiments will my hon. Friend encourage the Committee to have hasty deliberations so that we may have broadcasting of the House at the earliest possible date?

Mr. Price

I am a member of that Committee and I know that it is the wish of the House to see a report produced as quickly as possible. I sometimes despair at the length of time it takes to produce such reports, but there are difficult problems involving finance, accommodation, type of broadcasting, copyright, and so on. However, we want to see the report produced quickly and dealt with on the Floor of the House.

Mr. Cryer

Will the Minister bear in mind that some Labour Back Benchers regret that a Joint Committee has been set up, because it may be seen as bolstering up the other place when some of us want to see its powers diminished? Will he bear that factor in mind when accepting the Joint Committee's recommendations?

Mr. Price

I shall not accept them; the House will. I was left in a situtation in which this Chamber and the Lords were in favour of broadcasting. Since we had to reach appropriate arrangements, it was necessary to proceed in the way suggested.