Submission from Mr John Hayes MP
You wrote to me concerning the sitting hours
at the House.
Let me begin by saying that some of the changes
have been positive—the 6.00 pm finish (5.00 pm would have
been better on Thursdays) and the early notice of recesses are
particularly welcome. I also like the `half term' break.
The early finish (7.00 pm) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
has not been a success. Morning business means less time for visits
by constituents and a rushed timetable for third party meetings.
In addition, evenings are free but largely useless for business
meetings as few individuals or organisations want to meet after
8.00 pm! Nor am I convinced by the September sitting—inevitably
the House was poorly attended and the business light.
January 2004
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