HC Deb 26 November 2002 vol 395 cc160-1W
55. Mr. Chris Bryant

To ask the President of the Council what plans he has to propose reforms to the rules on parliamentary language. [81520]

Mr. Bradshaw

My right hon. Friend has no immediate plans at present to reform the rules of parliamentary language, but hopes that the Modernisation Committee may look at this matter soon. He recognises the concern of many Members about the more archaic elements of our parliamentary language and the impression they give to the public. 8/Parliamentary Calendar

58. Sir Nicholas Winterton

To ask the President of the Council, what assessment he has made of the public's reaction to the recently announced changes to the Parliamentary Calendar and timings of sittings of the House. [81523]

Mr. Bradshaw

Our impression is that the public's reaction to the recently announced changes has been generally favourable, and that the end to late evening sittings has been particularly welcomed. The YouGov poll in anticipation of the vote in the House on these matters showed a nine to one majority of the public in favour of the change to sitting hours and September sittings.