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News Release 18th October 2004MPs' EXPENSESOn Thursday 21st October, the expenses of all Members of Parliament will be posted on the House of Commons website in compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Michael Fabricant says: "All these expenses relate to my work as a constituency Member of Parliament. I receive none of this money personally and I do not employ - unlike some MPs - relatives or friends. I employ staff in Lichfield, London and in the Home counties who undertake correspondence work with constituents and government ministers on behalf of constituents, and who organise my diary and other administrative work. I receive around 200 letters a week and many phone calls and emails, all of which need to be dealt with thoroughly. "My travel expenses are mainly my commute between Lichfield and Westminster. Any other journeys have to be approved by the Department of Finance and Administration and have to be directly related to my work as an MP. Incidental Expenses Provision applies to computer equipment, stationery, re-usables, etc for my staff and myself. The Additional Cost Allowance refers to the cost of my maintaining a small flat near to the House of Commons at which I am based during the week. "Although the information given is comprehensive, it excludes more detailed information such as whether or not MPs employ their wives, children and other relatives. At least one Labour MP (Peter Hain) has admitted to employing his elderly mother! My own mother is 93, lives in Lichfield, and is not employed by me - or anyone else come to that." |
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