Commons committee starts Twitter inquiry
By Ian Dunt
A Commons committee will look into the rules surrounding the use of electronic devices following a row over the use of Twitter in the chamber.
The announcement comes after deputy Speaker Lindsey tried to ban the use of Twitter during a debate on the education maintenance allowance yesterday.
The move prompted a storm of outrage on the social media site, which many MPs use while watching debates.
Commons rules only allow for MPs to receive email in the Chamber. But officials accept that they are now out of date, having been written before Twitter and iPhones became commonplace.
There are also issues over whether Commons rules granting the speaker parliamentary privilege cover electronic messages sent from the chamber.
The procedure committee will look at all electronic communication coming out the Commons, including emails, texts and social media.
