The Guardian sets out details of a "comprehensive" survey of women MPs' experiences in the male dominated House of Commons.

Based on interviews with 83 current and recent MPs, the survey uncovers testimony of widespread sexism and discrimination.

More than 100 hours of taped interviews with the female MPs are to be placed in the British Library as a historical record.

The Labour MP Barbara Follett said "I remember some Conservatives: whenever a Labour woman got up to speak they would take their breasts - their imaginary breasts - in their hands and wiggle them and say 'melons' as we spoke."

Solicitor General Harriet Harman recalls a male colleague telling her: "Well, you've only succeeded because you're a woman," while one Cabinet minister was asked, when she was promoted: "Oh, you've had a very fast rise, who have you been sleeping with?"

Early on in her political career, Estelle Morris, the arts minister, was approached by an MP: "He says to me, 'Oh how lovely to see you Estelle, are you working here, are you a researcher or a secretary?' I said, 'No, I'm a member of parliament' and he froze, absolutely froze."