STUART BELL, UK MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT, GOES ONLINE

Stuart Bell, MP for Middlesbrough in the UK, went online recently with his own web site which has been described in teh national press as 'web site of the month'. The site, which can be found at www.stuartbellmp.org is full of features.

MP for Middlesbrough, Mr Stuart Bell, is reaching out to his constituents -- and the world.

The MP is now fully on line through the internet and within the first week his dedicated personal website has had five thousand queries.

Mr Bell said the response was 'phenomenal.

He added:

'The website puts Middlesbrough on the global map -- and enables constituents to know in the modern age how to contact the MP, to understand what the MP does in Westminster, and through press releases know on what issues the MP is commenting on at any one time.

Mr Bell said that not only had there been local and national queries but queries from the United States and Far East.

He said:

'The internet is a global phenomenon and it is right for Middlesbrough to publicise itself through their MP. Equally, constituents should know more about the workings of Parliament and the precise role their MP plays.

The website lists Mr Bells duties as Second Church Estates Commissioner, Chairman of the Finance and Services Committee of the House of Commons, and his duties as a member of the House of Commons Commission, where he serves with Mr Speaker. The Commission makes decisions on the whole of the Parliamentary estate.

It will also be possible for those logging onto the website to see the House of Commons directly in action. Mr Bell has a question and answer slot on behalf of the Church Commissioners once a month which his constituents may now see live through his website.

The site also includes a constituency photo album and Westminster pictures.

The government has an aim to have all government departments and MPs on line by the year 2005.

Mr Bell said: 'There are great plans afoot for the Boro with a new administration and directly elected Mayor. It is important that Middlesbrough is known worldwide as a town that intends to rise to city status during the next five years.

Mr Bell said constituents should be fully informed on a wide range of issues that affect them and would now have their own direct access to the Member of Parliament through a specially dedicated e-mail service.

The MP can be contacted on-line through www.stuartbellmp.org and on a specially dedicated e-mail on the site -- contact@stuartbellmp.org.

Mr Bell said: 'The world is awash with information and news. The site provides a dedicated picture of the work of the MP for Middlesbrough that will provide a better understanding of the MPs work and heighten the towns profile not only locally and nationally but internationally.