Motion made, and Question put forthwith, pursuant to Order [24 January],

That this House notes with approval the First Report of the Select Committee on Modernisation of the House of Commons of Session 2003-04, on Connecting Parliament with the Public (HC 368) and the First Special Report from the Committee containing the House of Commons Commission's response thereto (HC 69); agrees that the House should make itself more accessible, make it easier for people to understand the work of Parliament and do more to communicate its activity to the general public; welcomes the steps taken or planned as set out in the Commission's response, including those planned to bring about the radical upgrade of the website envisaged by the Modernisation Committee; endorses the Committee's conclusion that further consideration should be given to facilities such as a Parliamentary roadshow in the light of evaluation of other outreach initiatives; authorises the House of Commons Commission to fund the publication and distribution of a new voters' guide; and would welcome more proactive promotion to the media and the public of the House and its work.—[Mr. Hain.]

The House divided: Ayes 375, Noes 14.