HC Deb 04 December 1980 vol 995 cc264-5W
Mr. Moate

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish an indication of the scale of usage of live and recorded material from the sound broadcasting of the proceedings of Parliament; and whether usage has increased or diminished recently and the extent to which the broadcasts of proceedings have been continued.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

This is not a matter for me. I suggest that my hon. Friend address his detailed enquiries to the broadcasting authorities. However, I understand that these matters are among those being considered by the Select Committee on Sound Broadcasting with a view to producing a full report to the House this Session.

Mr. Moate

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will publish such information as he has on the total cost to date of the introduction of sound broadcasting of the proceedings of the House, including capital costs and operating costs, incurred by all parties involved, including the broadcasting authorities and the Government; and if he can give an approximate figure for the total number of people engaged in the operation.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

I understand that capital expenditure by the Department of the Environment on works related to the sound broadcasting of proceedings of both Houses has been approximately £320,000. Current expenditure has so far totalled approximately £46,000. It is not possible to give separate figures for this House, as the facilities are used for the sound broadcasting of both Houses.

Details of the costs borne by the broadcasters would be matters for them, as would be the numbers of people engaged in the operation. The Select Committee on Sound Broadcasting has the part-time services of one clerk and one personal secretary; transcription of evidence and fees and expenses of specialist advisers of that Committee has totalled £545. The Parliamentary sound archives, which provide services for both Houses, are staffed by four members of the House of Lords Record Office.