The expenses claims of Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant have been published online.
The publication of receipts of all Members of Parliament is the latest move to move restore public confidence in the political system following crisis.
Many of the receipts have had personal information – such as addresses – blacked out but the information on what was claimed is visible.
Mr Fabricant – who claimed a total of £126,074 for the 2007/08 period – has had his Additional Cost Allowance published along with his Communication Allowance and Incidental Expenses Provision/Staff Allowance.
As well as generalclaims for travel, advertising of constituency surgeries and stationery, the 2007/08 figures show Mr Fabricant submitted claims for:
- The Almanac of British Politics (£61.94)
- John Lewis non-slip 24-hook tie hanger and John Lewis non-slip trouser hanger set of 3 (£12)
- BlackBerry curve lambskin leather swivel holder (£18.99)
Speaking this morning, the Lichfield MP said:
“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 no 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 invoice, they will have no time to resolve problems faced by their constituents or scrutinise legislation properly. And that, after all, is what MPs are elected to do.”
