§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Chairman of the Administration Committee (1) what the procedures are by which a deaf member of the public can be provided with sign language interpretation of the proceedings of the House within the Strangers Gallery; [18955]
(2) what the procedures are by which a member may be provided with (a) a sign language interpreter and (b) a portable induction loop in order to facilitate communication with deaf or hard of hearing visitors to the Palace of Westminster and associated buildings. [18956]
§ Mrs. RoePortable induction loops can be provided on request to the Serjeant at Arms Office. Forty eight hours notice should be given whenever possible. The House does not provide sign language interpreters; however, arrangements are made for interpreters accompanying deaf members of the public to operate from a suitable place in the Gallery.
§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Chairman of the Accommodation and Works Committee if he will list those publicly accessible rooms within the Palace of Westminster and associated buildings which are fitted with an induction loop to assist persons who wear hearing aids. [18957]
§ Sir. Sydney ChapmanThe Accommodation and Works Committee has responsibility only for those areas of the parliamentary estate administered by the House of Commons. There are no publicly accessible rooms in outbuildings administered by the House of Commons which are fitted with induction loops. Induction loops are installed in the following places within the Palace of Westminster administered by the House of Commons
The House of Commons Chamber—the floor and galleries;All Committee Rooms administered by the House of Commons, with the exception of Nos. 7, 13 and 16;The Grand Committee Room.