MP warned over electronic readout

MPs can use Blackberries in the Commons but not for speeches

A Conservative MP has been told to stop reading aloud from a Blackberry-type gadget - during a House of Commons debate on anti-social behaviour.

Alistair Burt, who represents North East Bedfordshire, read out the text of a letter he had received on the device about Criminal Records Bureau checks.

But he was asked to desist by Deputy Speaker Sir Michael Lord, who said the practice was "to be discouraged".

The MP did so, but argued it was simply a "letter to me in a different form".

MPs are allowed to check and send e-mails from electronic devices in the Commons chamber, and are allowed to give speeches from written notes.

'Not good idea'

During the debate, Sir Michael spotted Mr Burt's device and asked: "Order. I wasn't actually watching precisely then - were you actually reading from an electronic device."

Mr Burt replied: "I am, which I think I'm allowed to do in the chamber."

But Sir Michael said: "I think that is to be discouraged. I won't say any more at this point, but I'd like to refer to it. I think that is to be discouraged. You can continue with your speech."

Mr Burt replied: "Thank you Mr Deputy Speaker. It was a letter to me in a different form."

But Sir Michael hit back: "Order. The use of an electronic device for reading from during a speech, I think - I'm not sure that's a good idea."

Last year Labour MP Sharon Hodgson said she and all her colleagues should get free Blackberries.