The Private Members' Bill ballot

1. John Randall, (Con, Uxbridge) 2. Ian Liddell-Grainger, (Con, Bridgwater) 3. Candy Atherton (Falmouth and Cambourne) 4. Dr Desmond Turner (Lab, Brighton Kemptown) 5. David Curry (Con, Skipton and Ripon) 6. Mark Lazarowicz (Lab, Edinburgh North and Leith) 7. Gareth R Thomas (Lab, Harrow West) 8. Eric Pickles (Con, Brentwood and Ongar)

But the MP for Uxbridge said afterwards that he had yet to decide what measure he would bring in to try to steer through the first Commons' session.

Second in the private members' ballot was new Tory MP for Bridgwater Ian Liddell-Grainger and third was Labour MP for Falmouth and Camborne Candy Atherton.

Altogether 20 MPs names were drawn by lot, but few have a realistic chance of their measures becoming law.

Meanwhile the dates have been set for parliament's long summer holidays - MPs and peers are to have all of August and September off before getting back to their desks in mid October.

Charity pressure

None of the leading names drawn was immediately available for comment to say what measures they would choose.

They may come under pressure from charities and pressure groups to choose a Bill related to one of their causes.

A Private Member's Bill's chances of success depend on how controversial the subject matter is, and often on whether the government is prepared to give it a "fair wind".

The Commons will rise on Friday 20 July for the summer break, Leader of the House Robin Cook announced on Thursday. MPs will return on Monday 15 October.

It was announced on Wednesday that the Lords will rise on Tuesday 24 July, returning on 15 October.