Cook: plans in doubt

It is "premature" to say whether the new parliamentary hours are a success, the Commons leader has said.

After a senior Conservative MP mounted an attack on the "ridiculous" Commons timetable, Robin Cook denied suggestions that a reversal was on the cards.

"The house voted on these matters and voted of free will and on a free vote and came to a considered view."

"Only three weeks have passed and I think it far too premature to reach any mature judgement. It is not my impression that were we to put it to a vote again that it would be reversed."

Sir Patrick Cormack spoke out strongly against the modernisation move - demanding an early vote on "these ridiculous new hours".

"They are indeed undermining the work of parliament," said Sir Patrick.

"Is he [Mr Cook] aware that there are members of all parts of the house, including some who voted for the changes, who share that view."

His intervention came amid growing backbench unease at the new hours.

MPs from all parties have admitted that the issue was not properly thought through.

Pressure is building for the old parliamentary hours to be restored on a Tuesday - with some MPs calling for the new timetable to be scrapped altogether.

Many now expect a gradual move back to the old regime.

"We can't be seen to be ditching the new hours altogether, but there is a sense that they are not working for anyone," said one well-placed MP.

Sources say the Speaker's Office has expressed alarm at the effects the new hours are having on business in the chamber.

Critics argued that MPs are increasingly finding that important meetings and events are clashing with parliamentary business.

Two standing committees were this week forced to abandon sitting after they were ruled inquorate as a result of MPs failing to turn up.