iPad’s in the House

February 4th, 2011, 18:49 Posted By: wraggster

Peers are now free to use iPads, smartphones and other internet-enabled devices while in session for a trial period of one year.
A Lords committee described the current restrictions as "incomplete, outdated and contradictory".
"Members taking part in proceedings should be able to use electronic devices to access Parliamentary papers and other documents which are clearly and closely relevant to the business before the House," the report proposes.
That means Lords will not be able to Google during debate, amid fears search engine use would disrupt debate
Lord Toby Harris, a Labour peer who sits on the Parliamentary Information Technology Committee, criticised the ban.
"I am not sure exactly how this is meant to work or even why it is a distinction worth making. Perhaps I am missing something," he said.
Limiting the use of tablets is probably a wise move. Earlier this week Italian MP Simeone di Cagno Abbrescia was caught using his iPad to browse prostitutes, rather than devoting his attention to an important vote of no confidence.
For the time being, the house of commons is still not allowed to use connected devices.
http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/35700/iPads-in-the-House

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