Speaker acts on peers' questions

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Speaker John Bercow has written to party leaders to discuss calls for peers who serve as cabinet ministers to appear in the Commons.

The move, which could see senior figures such as Lord Mandelson directly questioned by MPs, was being "actively" discussed, a spokesman told the BBC.

It was hoped that a "solution" could be reached soon, he added.

Current rules say peers who serve in the government can face direct inquiries only in the Lords.

The appointment of peers to cabinet rank means that more junior ministers have to deputise for their bosses at the dispatch box.

'Fully accountable'

Critics say this reduces the ability of MPs to scrutinise government policy.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis has said he and Lord Mandelson, the business secretary, are keen to appear in front of MPs.

He argued last week that one way around the constitutional difficulties posed would be for questions to be posed in the Westminster Hall debating chamber, rather than in the Commons.

The Daily Telegraph reports that Prime Minister Gordon Brown has written to Mr Bercow suggesting that plans should go further than this, stating: "I am keen that all secretaries of state are fully accountable to Parliament."

Asked about the possibility of peers answering questions in the Commons, the Speaker's spokesman told the BBC: "Mr Bercow has written to all the party leaders and is actively discussing this with them, with a view to reaching a solution in the near future."