Televising of the House

Part of the debate – in the House of Commons at 7:36 pm on 9 February 1988.

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Photo of Mr Leon Brittan Mr Leon Brittan , Richmond (Yorks) 7:36, 9 February 1988

I shall not give way. I want to bring my remarks to a close.

Another point on which there has rightly been comment is that, if demonstrations prevailed more than before, it would be for the House to stop them by exerting its authority, changing its rules or doing whatever was necessary. As the right hon. Member for Bethnal Green and Stepney rightly pointed out, it seems extraordinary that we should give ourselves, and accept, the power to alter, affect and shape all the affairs of the land, but should be afraid to admit television cameras because that would attract demonstrations that we would not have the power to control.