John Reid has signalled that MPs may be given an early chance to amend the new Commons sitting hours.

The newly appointed Commons leader said the experiment should be given "reasonable time" to bed down.

But he signalled that the end to evening sittings may have had negative consequences on the "social and political intercourse of this House".

Addressing the Commons as its leader for the first time, Reid said that change could come before the end of this parliament - the original review date set out by his predecessor.

"All of us, whatever the position we took, would accept that we have to allow a reasonable amount of time for this experiment to be tried out," he told MPs.

"If there are modifications arising out of any specific issue, including perhaps the procedure committee, then of course it is possible to make such modifications earlier than was anticipated."

In the face of criticism from MPs who originally backed the change in hours, Dr Reid conceded that "some people had changed their mind pretty quickly".

The leader said he would give "considered attention" to their concerns.

The former party chairman said he had been uneasy about the reforms, reminding MPs that he "voted partially against these changes in the first place".

The Commons leader also warned that he would not follow Robin Cook and go native in his new role.

"I will be here at the behest of the prime minister, my government and this House to serve as best I can," MPs were told.