MPs could use iPads to grill select committee witnesses, it was revealed today.
The Westminster committees have come to greater public attention in the past year following high-profile appearances by witnesses such as media mogul Rupert Murdoch who was hauled before MPs over the phone hacking scandal, former Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond, who was quizzed about the Libor interest rate fixing row, and today's evidence from G4S chief executive Nick Buckles over the Olympics security fiasco.
Parliamentary inquisitors could in future ask questions and refer to notes written on their tablet computers in a move to cut photocopying costs and save paper.
Liberal Democrat John Thurso, who represents the House of Commons Commission, said: "Work is under way to improve the electronic presentation of information, starting with the House's key business papers such as the order paper and select committee evidence, to make it easier to find, search and use on the internet and mobile devices.
"Those select committees that opt for paperless working will have their papers delivered smartly to their iPads, reducing expenditure on reprographics and contributing to environmental objectives."
Mr Thurso said in a written Commons statement, available electronically and printed, that the Commission has launched an investigation into how MPs can better use their tablet computers, with the findings due later this year.
Deputy Commons Leader David Heath became the first minister to use an iPad at the despatch box last October.
Five months ago the Commons' cross-party Administration Committee backed the idea of giving every MP an iPad, potentially costing taxpayers tens of thousands of pounds.
