Written question asked by Margaret Ewing (Scottish National Party) on Wednesday, 4 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 11 February 1998. It was answered by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 11 February 1998 on behalf of the House of Commons Commission.

House of Commons Commission

Question: To ask the honourable Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission, what translation (i) facilities are available and (ii) staff are employed in the House of Commons on (a) a permanent basis and (b) an ad hoc basis; and what the forecast running costs are for 1997-98. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mrs. Ewing: To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission what translation (i) facilities are available and (ii) staff are employed in the House of Commons on (a) a permanent basis and (b) an ad hoc basis; and what the forecast running costs are for 1997-98. [28558] Mr. Kirkwood: There is no simultaneous translation service provided by the House and therefore no translation staff are employed by the House of Commons Commission. Arrangements for simultaneous translation facilities and interpreters in the gallery, to be hired on repayment, can be made on request to the Serjeant at Arms Office. The forecast running cost for 1997-98 is approximately £230,00.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 28558; 306 c254-5W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Costs House of Commons Languages Translation services Interpreters
Contains statistics: Yes