Commons reform at-a-glance

Commons Leader Robin Cook has published his proposals for reforming the way parliament works.

They will be considered first by the Commons' modernisation committee but any changes will have to be voted on by all MPs.

The suggestions include:

Moving the half hour, once-a-week prime minister's questions from 1500 to midday.

Moving ministerial statements, currently at 1530 or later, to a set hour starting at midday.

Announcing planned ministerial statements for each week on Mondays, with ministers allowed to make "immediate statements" in an emergency.

Allowing MPs to vote electronically from inside the chamber, rather than having to file through the aye and noe lobbies.

Allowing MPs to table questions by e-mail.

Broadcasting select committee meetings live online.

Allowing unfinished bills to "roll over" from one parliamentary term to the next but imposing set time limit.

Giving select committees powers to review legislation once enacted and examine draft bills before they are debated.

Reducing the three-month summer recess so MPs return in early September, before breaking again for the autumn party conferences.

Scraping sittings on most Fridays to give more time for constituency work.

Shortening two-week notice period imposed on oral questions in the Commons, including those to the prime minister.

Shifting debate on private members bills, currently on Fridays, to Wednesdays.

Publishing lists of speakers in advance to end requirement for MPs to "catch the Speaker's eye" if they want to contribute to a debate.

Extending morning sittings from just Thursdays to Wednesdays as well.

Publishing more bills in draft form.

Setting up a select committee to review secondary legislation, which is passed by ministers using powers given to them in previous acts of parliament.

Releasing ministerial written answers to MPs' questions earlier than 1530, to assist media coverage.

Explicitly acknowledging ministerial announcements made in written answers in the order paper and Hansard.

Making select committee reports "more attractive and inviting" with the inclusion of pictures, for example.

Setting up parliamentary visitor centre and taking more pro-active stance in educating people about procedures - Fridays could become school visit days.