Minister for women Patricia Hewitt has warned against a return to late-night sittings in Parliament.

Speaking to the Guardian, she said it would be a disaster for the modernisation of parliament and hit working women.

"There are several of us that think going back to the 19th century working hours would be a disaster," she said.

"The sight of MPs voting at 10 o'clock at night with MPs - often the worse for wear - debating and voting only confirms parliament is in another world and it is not part of any normal world. Most people think you cannot make a decision late at night, particularly after a good meal.

"Late night politics, and the yah boo that goes with it, puts off a lot of potential women candidates, and the wider public. They just think it is a life that they don't want to be part of."