The committee wants to strengthen the backbencher's role

The Leader of the House of Commons, Jack Straw, announced the inquiry as well as one on "making better use of non-legislative time".

The backbenchers' inquiry will look at whether Westminster inductions for new MPs were adequate, among other issues.

Previously the committee has looked at how MPs deal with constituency demands.

The committee wants to hear evidence on how all MPs can better participate in making laws.

The inquiry into non-legislative time will look at the quality and topicality of debates in the House of Commons.

It has also asked for opinions on whether there should there be a Westminster equivalent of "interpellation," as used in Sweden and Germany, where an opposition party (or a group of members) can call a debate on a topical issue or a matter of public concern.