Peter Hain has rejected calls for an early review of Commons sitting hours and recess dates.

His comments came after MPs claimed the new regime had led to a series of " unintended consequences".

Hain said he was open to suggestions about how the new regime could be amended but dismissed calls for a wider review.

Speaking in the Commons, the minister stressed that the "fundamental principle" of the sitting hours could not be reviewed until the end of this parliament.

"One of my duties, which I take very seriously, is to uphold the will of this House," he said.

"The House voted, whether people disagree with it or not, for a change in hours for the rest of this parliament.

"I don't think that we can keep chopping and changing every few months, but, as I say, I am open to suggestions about modifying the hours and the particular arrangements we have got."

Labour's senior backbencher Gwyneth Dunwoody said there were now "too many incursions" into MPs' working day.

She said it was "increasingly difficult" to convene standing and select committees without clashing with Commons business.

Dunwoody said the leader should "look very hard at the rules than have been brought in on hours".