This paper sets out proposed reforms of the House of Commons, as a basis for consultation. The reforms are designed to create a modern and more effective system for the parliamentary scrutiny of government, both in terms of its executive actions and in its legislation. The measures also aim to make the work of the Commons more accessible to the public and raise levels of public respect for Parliament. The proposed reforms include: shortening the length of parliamentary debates; reducing the notice period required for tabling a ministerial question at Question Time; the publication of Bills in draft form; enabling Bills to be carried over from one Session to the next; methods for scrutiny of the implementation of new laws and secondary legislation; changing the pattern of sitting hours, including an earlier start for proceedings in the Chamber and increased time for constituency work; altering recess periods; the introduction of modern technology for House procedures, including an electronic method of voting; widening press coverage of Parliamentary proceedings; live coverage of public committee proceedings on the internet; and an increased education service for schoolchildren. It does not offer proposals on the Select Committee system, as this issue will be covered in a forthcoming report by the Modernisation Committee.