HC Deb 27 June 2000 vol 352 c468W
50. Mr. Miller

To ask the President of the Council what progress has been made in respect of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons proposals on modernising the procedures of the House. [126386]

54. Mr. Ben Chapman

To ask the President of the Council if she will make a statement on progress by the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons on reforming the procedures of the House. [126391]

Mrs. Beckett

48 of the 54 recommendations of the Committee have been implemented. Apart from abolishing conventions, such as the use of the top hat, the work of Modernisation Committee has produced a clearer Order Paper, better explanatory notes for legislation, more effective Thursday sittings, more freedom for Standing Committees to meet when they wish, a new scrutiny reserve for European business, the introduction of a new forum for debate in Westminster Hall and some easing of restrictions on the Press Gallery and Lobby, which they have long sought.