For the first time in its history the House of Commons has a business calendar for the year ahead.

Following on his narrow victory in Tuesday's Commons modernisation vote, Robin Cook has delivered on a promise to let MPs know what the next 12 months holds in store.

In a rare outbreak of unanimity on parliamentary reform, the shadow Commons leader, Eric Forth, said he was "grateful" for the calendar.

But the Commons leader warned the opposition that the plans of parliamentary planners could go astray if government bills become log jammed.

"I'm pleased that following the motion that was carried on Tuesday, I am now announcing for the first time a Commons calendar for a whole year," Cook told MPs.

"I must repeat the health warning that whilst we on this side will use our best endeavours to meet theses dates our success in doing so will of course depend on progress on business."

The new calendar incorporates a shorter summer recess with a September break for the party political conferences.

Not all were happy with the new arrangements.

Christchurch MP, Christopher Chope, scented the whiff of political convenience in the chosen dates for a Commons winter half term.

"Is it by design that the government has announced that on February 17 next year when congestion charging comes into effect in London members of parliament will not be here to experience the suffering?" he asked.

Cook assured MPs that "the issue of congestion charges was not uppermost in out mind when we chose the dates".

"Of course members will return subsequently when those congestion charges are in place," he said.

• Christmas break - the House rises on December 19, MPs return on January 7 2003

• Winter half term will run from February 13 to February 24

• The Easter break will be combined with a constituency week form April 10 to April 28

• MPs will rise for their Whitsun break on May 22 and return to June 3

• Commons Summer recess will run from July 17 to September 8

• The House will then rise on September 18 for a conference recess, MPs return from the seaside on October 14