MPs approve use of hand-held electronic devices during debates
13 October 2011 (updated on 14 October 2011)
The House of Commons debated a motion on Thursday 13 October which would allow the use of hand-held electronic devices in the Commons Chamber and in committee meetings. The motion was agreed.
MPs also considered and agreed to the recommedations contained in Procedure Committee reports relating to select committee amendments, explanatory statements on amendments to bills and written parliamentary questions.
Watch and read the debate and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.
Read the reaction from the Procedure Committee.
Procedure Committee Reports
The Procedure Committee considers, and makes recommendations on, the practices and procedures of the House of Commons.
The committee published on the 24 March 2011 its report into the 'Use of hand-held electronic devices in the Chamber and committees'. The committee made the following recommendation;
That hand-held electronic devices (not laptops) may be used in the Chamber, provided that they are silent, and used in a way that does not impair decorum; that Members making speeches in the Chamber or in committee may refer to electronic devices in place of paper speaking notes; and that electronic devices, including laptops, may be used silently in committee meetings, including select committees.
The committee published on 9 March 2011 its report on 'Improving the effectiveness of parliamentary scrutiny' which made three main recommendations relating to select committee amendments, explanatory statements on amendments to bills and written parliamentary questions.
Further information about the work of the Procedure Committee can be found on its webpages.
Debates
Debates are an opportunity for MPs to discuss government policy, proposed new laws and current issues. It allows MPs to voice the concerns and interests of their constituents.