Voters @ a loss over how to contact their MPs

In the run up to the UK's first 'e-lection', silicon.com challenged 500 MPs to answer a simple question via email, to find out which politicians practice what they preach.

Here are the top ten respondents ranked in order of how long they took. They still might not know their B2B from their P2P, but to those MPs that can use email we salute you...

1. Paul Flynn, Newport West (Labour) 28 mins
The winner by a clear eight minutes, this Welsh-speaking former chemist can often be found at the head of a backbench revolt. A champion of pensioners and the low-waged, Flynn has helped to bring the delights of Newport to the web.

2. Peter Ainsworth, East Surrey (Conservative) 36 mins
A close second, the shadow secretary of state for culture, media and sport is probably best known for admitting once that he smoked dope at college.

3. Christine Russell, City of Chester (Labour) 1 hr 2 mins

4. Anne Campbell, Cambridge (Labour) 1 hr 11 mins
The e-minister's parliamentary private secretary appears to have considerably more skill at answering emails than Ms Hewitt herself...

5. David Amess, South End West (Conservative) 1 hr 13 mins
Started life as a primary school teacher and once wrote a book called the Road to Basildon.

6. David Stewart, Inverness East (Labour) 1 hr 26 mins
With high-tech companies providing a significant proportion of jobs in Inverness, it's not surprising Stewart knows one end of Outlook from another.

7. Chris Ruane, Vale of Clwyd (Labour) 1 hr 28 mins

8=. Anthony Steen, Totnes (Conservative) 1 hr 40 mins
"I should point out that [Anthony Steen] is a rather old-fashioned MP, and prefers the traditional mode of communication - pen and paper - to emails, but no matter! If you would be good enough to send your full address, he will send you a reply," wrote his secretary, with the double virtue of being both prompt and honest.

8=. Siobhain McDonagh, Mitcham& Morden (Labour) 1 hr 40 mins

9. Keith Bradley, Manchester Withington (Labour) 1 hr 59 mins
Elected to Parliament in 1987, according to his website Keith is a keen fan of cricket, rugby and football, and enjoys walking, travel and socialising.

10. Brian White, Milton Keynes North East (Labour) 2hrs 21 mins
"The growth in the availability of the internet is rising fast and with the advent of digital TV will soon be all encompassing. Within a few years access is likely to be universal," wrote White. It's an optimistic viewpoint but he's happy to discuss it further if anyone wants to email him back...