MPs free to use iPads in the Commons

Published by Ross Macmillan for 24dash.com in Central Government

Commons Speaker John Bercow has ruled that iPads can be used by MPs following the first use of the gadget in the Chamber earlier this week.

Mr Bercow said he could not "reasonably prevent" the use of the gadgets on an interim basis until MPs had a chance to decide on recommendations permitting their permanent use.

On Monday, Labour's Kerry McCarthy became the first MP to use an iPad while making a speech in the Commons.

The Bristol East MP's use of the Apple tablet computer during a Budget debate came after the Commons Procedure Committee recommended that devices smaller than a sheet of A4 paper should be allowed.

Responding to a point of order in the Commons today, Mr Bercow said he could not "reasonably prevent" the use of such a device as an aid.

Tory Matthew Offord (Hendon) said: "There has been some confusion about the use of iPads and other electronic devices both here in this Chamber and also in committee. As such, can you please advise the House what are the conclusions of the Procedure Committee on the use of such devices?"

Mr Bercow told him: "My guidance on the courtesies and conventions of the House states: the House has agreed to the use in the Chamber of hand-held devices to keep up to date with emails, provided that they cause no disturbance.

"All such devices may be switched on, as long as they are in silent mode. Members should not use electronic devices as an aide memoire in debate."

The Procedure Committee reported last week that "the House will soon want to debate their report", Mr Bercow said.

He added: "In the meantime I do not think the occupant of the chair can reasonably prevent a member from discretely using such a device as an aide memoire in debate."

But he said MPs should send notes to Hansard, either electronically or on paper.

Mr Bercow said: "I hope, and I reiterate this forcefully, that the House will soon reach a view on the matter in order, apart from anything else, to assist the chair."

The Procedure Committee said MPs should be allowed to use electronic devices to help memory during debates and to send and receive messages.

But while the committee said smartphones and iPads were allowed, laptops were still banned.

The committee said the changes should be given a one-year trial.

Its report stated: "Banning them from the Chamber might make the House appear out of touch with modern life and would mean that those in the chamber would be the last to know of breaking news widely available on the internet."

The House of Lords has already adopted rules on iPad use, despite fears hand-held devices would create a bad impression on television and allow members to access bookmakers on the internet.