SF's Commons expenses account 'should be axed'
DUP deputy leader Nigel Dodds has urged the government to remove abstentionist Sinn Fein MPs' Commons allowances.
As the party continues to lobby for the move, Mr Dodds asked Sir George Young, leader of the House of Commons, when a motion on the issue would come before MPs.
The North Belfast MP said that secretary of state Owen Paterson had “made very clear” that such a move would take place under a Conservative government.
He said it was “an iniquitous situation” that Sinn Fein MPs received access to the Commons expenses system without taking their seats.
“Given the great public concern about the abuse of expenses and allowances in the previous Parliament, when can we expect a motion to come before the House to remove those allowances from Members of Parliament who do not do their jobs here?”
Sir George replied: “I understand the concern that the honourable gentleman raises. I hope that he will understand my saying that I will need to consult colleagues in government and perhaps the authorities in the House before we go down the particular route that he has outlined.”
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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