A government minister has welcomed moves to encourage greater online communication between MPs and constituents.

Deputy leader of the Commons Phil Woolas said on Thursday that ePolitix.com's Constituency Forum initiative was helping to give a clearer picture to voters of what goes on in Westminster.

ePolitix.com has piloted a six month trial in three parliamentary seats: Dumbarton, Reigate and Yeovil.

The sitting MPs have been able to engage in online conversations with local electors in an attempt to explain policies and listen to views directly, rather than via the media.

Woolas said the scheme was a good example of how technology can be utilised to bring politicians closer to the public, as recommended by the Commons modernisation committee.

"When I am in my constituency at the weekend people love to talk about bread and butter politics but what they see and read in the week about Westminster turns them off," he said.

"E-democracy is an important development in the future of politics and something that the modernisation select committee is considering in depth.

"E-communication squares that circle and allows politicians and people to have a conversation and tears down the walls of cynicism, e-forum is the future."

Dumbarton MP John McFall, one of the parliamentarians who has taken part in the trial, said he had been able to use the system to consult on both local and national issues.

"Constituency Forum has exceeded my expectations," he said.

"Many people in the constituency have spoken to me about it and how much they appreciate the effort to communicate with them on matters of local and national importance. 

"The co-operation between my staff and ePolitix staff has made Constituency Forum as successful as it is.

"Overall I feel that this is a truly joint venture and one which has added significantly to my communication with my constituents."