House of Lords: Mobile Telephones

20 Dec 2005 : Column WA254

House of Lords: Mobile Telephones

Lord Avebury asked the Chairman of Committees:

Whether the appropriate Committee of the House will consider measures to deter the ringing of mobile telephones in the Chamber, including the recording of the responsible Members' names in a public register of offenders and substantial fines payable to charities to be agreed. [HL3115]

The Chairman of Committees (Lord Brabazon of Tara): Paragraph 4.05 of the Companion states that:

"Mobile telephones must be turned off in all public areas of the House, including the Chamber".

In accordance with the principles of self-regulation, it is the responsibility of the House itself—that is, of all Members who are present—to draw attention to breaches of order or failures to observe customs.