Brussels, 09/06/2000 (Agence Europe) - The Conference of Presidents of the political groups in the European Parliament has held an initial debate on the report by Vice-President James Provan (Conservative, UK) on internal reform (see EUROPE of 8 June, p. 10). Debate will continue in the groups. The general guidelines for streamlining Parliament's activity and improving assistance to Members were greeted favourably; certain proposals were given a more lukewarm reaction. This was the case in particular for suggestions on organising debates in two phases, after the intervention of the rapporteurs: a first section would give Members the opportunity to intervene by attracting the attention of the session Chair; the second would allow the designated spokesmen to summarise the groups' positions. Speaking time would no longer be limited to under three minutes. The creation of an "Assembly Commission" charged with voting on amendments does not seem to have much support.