House of Commons debates use of iPads and smartphones

MPs asked whether they want to use tablets, mobiles and laptops in the House of Commons

The House of Commons' Procedure Committee is debating whether to allow MPs to use smartphones and tablet devices in parliament, and generally to ease its guidelines on the use of such devices.

The Committee his conducting an inquiry into the use of electronic devices in the Chamber and in committees, and will be making a decision in due course.

A parliamentary spokesperson told Computing that an email has been sent to MPs inviting their views. In particular, comments have been requested on whether the silent use of handheld devices and tablets such as iPads should be permitted in the Chamber and for what purpose, and on what devices are acceptable in committees.

The current ruling on the use of electronic devices resulted from the findings of a report from the Modernisation Committee in 2007 called "Revitalising The House". It states that no devices should be used in the Chamber, with the only exception being mobile phones for checking emails.

"The House has agreed to the use in the Chamber of handheld 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. Electronic devices may not be used to film or make audio recordings in the Chamber," the report states.

MPs are still currently prohibited from using laptops in the House, and the argument regarding whether tablet devices are considered laptops or mobile devices is still ongoing.