Committee backs tablet plan for MPs

A cross-party committee has backed plans to issue all MPs with an iPad-style tablet computer

Published: 2:53pm, 6th February 2012
Updated: 12:13am, 8th February 2012

Tens of thousands of pounds could be spent issuing every MP with an iPad-style tablet computer after an influential cross-party committee backed the idea.

More than a dozen members have been testing the Apple devices over the past year as part of proposals to modernise Parliament and save printing costs.

And the House's cross-party Administration Committee has now recommended the "rapid roll-out of suitable mobile tablet hardware" to all 650 MPs.

Chairman Sir Alan Haselhurst said: "It seems that this is the future, for the convenience in terms of dealing with all the work MPs have to do, but also because it assists in what is a determined policy of the House - reducing the use of paper."

He added: "There is a pretty sure case to say that the supply of these will lead to an overall saving for the public purse."

The Conservative said he could not give an estimate of the potential savings. However, the trial involving 16 members of his committee had cut costs by "several thousand pounds" as they could circulate information electronically.

It is not clear whether the iPads would be in addition to the three desktop machines and two laptops already provided by the House for every MP's office.

But Sir Alan insisted members would not be able to demand the latest technology as soon as it is launched. The Commons could secure a discount by purchasing iPad 2s in bulk, he suggested.

The devices currently cost around £500 in the shops - suggesting that even if not all MPs took up the offer the total bill would be well over £100,000. There would also be subscription costs for data.

A final decision on whether to go ahead with the scheme is likely to be made by the ruling Commons Commission later this month.