§ 33. Mr. Michael Jack (Fylde)If she will bring forward proposals to the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons for the adaptation of Committee Rooms to enable hon. Members to use the parliamentary data and video network system during Standing Committee sittings. [121911]
§ The Parliamentary Secretary, Privy Council Office (Mr. Paddy Tipping)I have no plans to do so. However, the right hon. Gentleman may wish to take the matter up with the Information Committee and with the Chairmen's Panel.
§ Mr. JackI am grateful to the Minister for that guidance, but I hope that he might think again. The House has made tremendous strides in giving hon. Members access, by means of the PDVN, to a great deal of information that is very relevant to our work, both in the House and in Committee. However, information cannot be accessed in Committee Rooms, even by downloading onto a computer. If we are to hold the Executive to account, we need access to a large amount of data, so would it not be possible for the Modernisation Committee to examine the role of information technology as an adjunct and aid to the work of Committees in this House?
§ Mr. TippingI understand that the purpose of Standing Committees is to hold Ministers to account, and it is clear that members of Standing Committees must listen carefully to debates. There is a case for looking at new technology and how it impinges on our lives, but that is a matter for the Chairmen's Panel.
§ Charlotte Atkins (Staffordshire, Moorlands)What progress has been made in improving access to the internet for hon. Members and their staff? Has a decision been made about whether users of the service will be charged?
§ Mr. TippingA lively discussion is taking place on that subject. Hon. Members with constituencies and offices away from London feel disadvantaged, and the Information Committee is looking into the matter.