Motion made, and Question put,

That this House welcomes the principle of establishing, from 1st April 2007, a separate Allowance for Members of Parliament to assist in the work of communicating with the public on parliamentary business and instructs the Members Estimate Committee to prepare a detailed proposal for such an allowance.— [Mr. Straw.]

The House divided: Ayes 290, Noes 199.

Question accordingly agreed to.

It being after Seven o'clock, Mr. Speaker put the Questions necessary to dispose of the business to be concluded at that hour, pursuant to Order [this day].