Some government spokesmen do not cooperate with reporters, failing to fulfill China's commitment to openness and transparency, the government was told.

They often reject requests for interviews, seldom give news conferences and cannot be reached at their public telephone numbers, according to a political adviser.

"Although government departments at various levels have named their spokesmen, the system is not operating well," said Feng Shiliang, a member of the National Committee of the CPPCC.

"The system can be improved through naming full-time spokesmen, providing regular news conferences and allowing spokesmen to speak to the public right after emergencies," said Feng.

Wang Guoqing, deputy director of the Information Office of the State Council, acknowledged shortfalls with the existing government spokesman system.

Feng proposed that government departments should hold regular news conferences so that their spokespersons do not exist in name only.

"In case of major emergencies, there might be chaos if people cannot hear a government voice quickly," he said.

When Harbin in northeast China suspended water supply due to pollution in the Songhua River last year, panic spread as the city's government spokesman did not quickly respond to rumors.

Further, most government spokesmen and spokeswomen also hold other jobs, making it difficult to collect information and conduct research, Feng said.