Closed Circuit link (Hansard, 17 April 1989)

§ 61. Mr. Allen
To ask the Lord President of the Council if he will make it his policy to make available to all Members who wish it, a closed circuit television link from the Chamber.

§ Mr. Wakeham
As Chairman of the Select Committee that is currently considering the televising of our proceedings, it would not be appropriate for me to comment on such matters before the recommendation of the Committee are known.

§ Mr. Allen
Is the Lord President aware that in the United States members of Congress have access to a sound link and to closed-circuit television? Will he at least consider incorporating such a proposal for the consideration of the House in the forthcoming report?

§ Mr. Wakeham
The hon. Gentleman will have to wait for our report. I am sure that a number of hon. Members feel that colleagues already spend too little time in the Chamber and would strongly oppose any further move that would worsen that situation.

§ Mr. Latham
My right hon. Friend is right. Is not the best way to find out what is going on in the Chamber to come in here and listen?

§ Mr. Wakeham
I agree with my hon. Friend, but he will have to await publication of our report to see our views on that.