MPs can go online in the Commons

MPs must ensure they do not disturb Commons business

MPs will be able to check e-mails while in the House of Commons chamber, under plans approved by the government.

They will be able to go online, providing this does not interfere with the business going on at the time.

Under other modernisation proposals agreed to by Commons leader Harriet Harman, there will also be time set aside for daily "open questions".

The changes are due to take effect from the start of the new parliamentary session on 6 November.

Induction

They will depend on the passing of a motion in the Commons in the next couple of weeks.

The final 10 to 15 minutes of a government departments' question time each day will be set aside for "open questions".

This will be similar to prime minister's questions, where no notice is given of what is to be asked.

Parliament's modernisation committee also recommends extending the time gap between general elections and the start of the new Parliament.

It wants to give new MPs three weeks to settle into their job before starting their work fully at Westminster.

But this is a matter for the prime minister to decide, as the date for the opening of the next Parliament is given when the previous one is dissolved.