The rules of engagement for Tony Blair's first grilling by senior MPs have been set out.

Ahead of the evidence session with the prime minister later this month, the liaison committee on Wednesday published a special report into the proceedings.

The hearing, to be held in Portcullis House on July 16, is expected to last between two and two and a half hours. Journalists will be able to attend the event, which will also be webcast from parliament's website where a transcript will also be published.

Tony Blair will answer questions from each select committee chairman that comprises the liaison committee in turn, both on domestic and international issues. Members of each select committee will be offered the chance to submit questions, but the final agenda will be decided by the chairmen.

However, the themes covered will be limited and selected in advance of the meeting, to allow greater exchanges between the MPs and Blair.

The evidence session was scheduled after Downing Street consulted committee chairman, Labour MP for Swansea West Alan Williams, in April.

It followed a decision last year for the prime minister not to give evidence to the public administration committee on the government's annual report, which it no longer publishes.

"The appearance of the prime minister in public before a committee containing all the chairs of select committees complements the investigative work of individual committees, notably those monitoring the work of government departments," the report said.

"It will at last bring the prime minister himself within select committee scrutiny. He needs to be accountable in detail both as head of the government and in respect of the staff and advisers who answer directly to him and for whom no-one can answer."