Question Time reform proposed

JOHN MAJOR yesterday said that he would like to change the style of Prime Minister's Questions in the Commons to make the twice-weekly sessions more 'informative', writes Colin Brown. He said, however, that any change would be for MPs to decide.

Mr Major was responding to a call from the Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown for the sessions to be used as an opportunity for debate rather than 'media- friendly soundbites and one- liners', but it is unlikely that MPs will agree.

Other reforms are in the offing, however, including the end of all-night sittings.