MPs’ claims still blocked

3:46pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

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THE House of Commons has refused to release the detailed expenses claims of North Yorkshire's MPs - saying it would be too time consuming, too costly, and unfair to the politicians.

Parliament is fighting a ruling by the Information Tribunal, which demanded a detailed breakdown of how MPs spend public money.

The ruling appeared to give victory to newspapers across the country, including The Press, which had used the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to request details of MPs' claims.

But the Commons has refused to release the information, and has now launched a legal challenge against the tribunal decision.

In an email to The Press, the Commons' data protection and FOI officer Bob Castle wrote: "While the Information Tribunal decided in February that information about the additional costs allowance should be disclosed to the level you requested, the House has appealed against that decision to the High Court."

The Press had asked for the detailed expenses claims for the seven MPs in our circulation area - Hugh Bayley (York); John Grogan (Selby); Anne McIntosh (Vale of York); Phil Willis (Harrogate and Knaresborough); Greg Knight (East Yorkshire); John Greenway (Ryedale); and Robert Goodwill (Scarborough and Whitby).

Several of the MPs say they favour more transparency, but the matter is currently in the hands of Commons officials and the court.

Mr Bayley said: "I think there should be complete openness. The only thing that strikes me as an argument for some MPs is keeping private their personal addresses, possibly for Northern Irish MPs or some prominent politicians where there might be a threat. But I think in general it's wrong for Parliament to be resisting publication."

Mr Willis said: "I think the system should be open and transparent. I object in principle to addresses of MPs being made public because I think that's just not necessary because for some, particularly women MPs, that could jeopardise security and could be a risk not worth taking.

"But as for how money is being spent, it's public money and should be accountable."

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Should MPs be open about how they spend public funds?