HC Deb 22 April 1943 vol 388 cc1862-3W
Dr. Morgan

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Works whether arrangements can be made to improve the acoustic qualities of the present Chamber, especially for the Press Gallery, so that reporters there may work under the best conditions and have facilities for proper hearing of Debates, in view of the proved difficulties now of catching the voices of Members of Parliament?

Mr. Hicks

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave yesterday to the hon. Member for Leeds Central (Mr. Denman). The acoustical defects of this House were the subject of most careful and exhaustive investigation by the National Physical Laboratory as a result of which absorbent panels were installed in the windows of the Chamber. This was the most satisfactory scheme that could be devised as a war-time measure. In addition, arrangements were made, in consultation with the Committee of the Press Gallery, for the installation of loudspeakers in that Gallery, which it is understood are regarded as satisfactory.