Cabinet split over reform of Commons

Robin Cook's plans to modernise the House of Commons have run into opposition from within the Cabinet.

The Leader of the Commons may need to water down his proposals to reform the traditional procedures of Parliament after clashing with Hilary Armstrong, the government Chief Whip.

Some ministers, including the Labour Party chairman, Charles Clarke, and the Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, are backing Mr Cook's plans to allow MPs to table questions at short notice so ministers can be quizzed on topical issues when they answer oral questions in the Commons. At present, MPs have to give two weeks' notice.

Mr Cook also wants to give the opposition parties a more important role in deciding on parliamentary business.

Ms Armstrong opposes both moves, arguing that they could put the Government at a disadvantage, and has mobilised several other cabinet ministers against the Cook blueprint.

Some of Mr Cook's critics accuse him of "trying to carve out a parliamentary niche for himself" by proposing changes which might not be in the Government's interests.

Mr Cook has more support from the opposition parties for his plans to "bring Parliament into the 21st century" than among his colleagues. One Liberal Democrat source said: "The real tussle is on the Government's side. He is in more trouble with his own side than with us."

Mr Cook said yesterday he hoped that the Modernisation committee, of which he is chairman, would publish a report before the summer break begins on Wednesday.