§ Lord Beaumont of Whitleyasked the Chairman of Committees:
What steps he is planning to take to improve the acoustics of rooms in the Palace of Westminster which are used for briefings and consultations. [HL1687]
§ The Principal Deputy Chairman of CommitteesThe acoustics of Committee Rooms and meeting rooms within the House of Lords are kept under constant review. Committee Rooms 1, 2 3 and 4 have recently been refurbished, and each room now has a modern sound raising system including induction loops. Committee Room G also has provision for sound amplification. Refurbishment is planned For Committee Rooms 3A and 4B, and permanent sound systems will then be provided. The Moses Room acoustics have been studied by the BBC and modifications have been made in accordance with its recommendations. It is unlikely that further improvements can be achieved there.
The other House of Lords' meeting rooms in the Palace do not have sound systems installed. Most of the rooms are small and do not appear to need them. However, Peers may, at any time, contact Mr Robert Jelley (extension 6049) to request the services of Westminster Sound in providing sound raising for specific meetings.