British MPs may soon be flaunting swanky iPads if a recommendation by the House of Commons to save paper is accepted by the Parliament. The House of Commons Administration Committee has recommended the "rapid roll-out of suitable mobile tablet hardware" to all 650 Members of Parliament.

Though the scheme could cost taxpayers up to 400,000 pounds if 650 MPs are issued with Apple tablets, the House of Commons Administration Committee insists it will cut printing costs and thus save paper. Chairman Sir Alan Haselhurst, a Tory MP, said a trial involving 16 members of the cross-party group had saved "several thousand pounds".

"It seems that this is the future, for the convenience in terms of dealing with all the work MPs have to do, but also because it assists in what is a determined policy of the House reducing the use of paper," the British media quoted Sir Alan as saying.

Sir Alan suggested Parliament could secure a discount by bulk-buying iPads. A final decision will be taken later this month, the reports said. However, Emma Boon, a spokesman for the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "With the public finances in such a mess, the last thing taxpayers want is to fork out for a new toy for every MP.