Michael Fabricant

Conservative Party | Lichfield

Release of MP's expenses

18 June 2009

Commenting on the release of MPs' expenses details this morning (18th June) by the House of Commons, Michael Fabricant says:

"I welcome the publication of claims by the House of Commons today. In the 21st Century, we must have an open and transparent Parliament. Initially, I did have reservations about how the Freedom of Information Act would affect Parliament as it would have released information about constituents' casework and details that could affect the security of MPs and their staff. These loopholes have now been closed."

"But I do hope that political parties and others will be grown up about this flood of information and not deluge MPs with vexatious inquires about every staple or pencil purchase. If MPs become bogged down in justifying every claim, they will have no time to resolve the problems faced by their constituents or scrutinise legislation properly. And that, after all, is what MPs are elected to do."