HC Deb 22 February 2000 vol 344 cc1370-1
39. Ms Helen Southworth (Warrington, South)

If the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons has considered the facilities available to members of the Lobby. [109658]

The President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons (Mrs. Margaret Beckett)

The Modernisation Committee has received numerous representations on the matter, some of which it still has under consideration. However, we have already obtained agreement from the Administration Committee and from Madam Speaker to some relaxation in the use of recording equipment, which had long been sought by the Press Gallery.

Ms Southworth

I thank my right hon. Friend for that answer. Does she agree that it is about time that the filming procedures in Members' offices were updated, especially considering that Portcullis house now means that all Members will have an office? Will the Modernisation Committee please address that issue?

Mrs. Beckett

I am grateful to my hon. Friend. As I said, tape recorders have been permitted in the Press Gallery since January. We have had further discussions with the Administration Committee and, with the agreement of Madam Speaker, a further extension to taping to cover the proceedings of Westminster Hall has been permitted since about a week ago. As from yesterday, filming in Members' offices will be allowed. I know that the lack of facilities for the sensible making available of Members' views to the news media has been a source of irritation to them in the past. I hope that the easement will be welcomed.