What an appetite!!!!!!!!!

10 December 2009

Statement by TUV Leader Jim Allister

“North Antrim MP Ian Paisley tops the league in food claims, at the taxpayers’ expense.  Latest House of Commons figures reveal that in the 5 years since 1/4/04 to 31/3/09 Ian Paisley has claimed a staggering £23,200 from the taxpayer for his food bills.

“This staggering total is accumulated by him claiming the maximum available allowance of £400 per month for every month but 2 in this 5 year period, including the months when parliament was not sitting (at least 4 months per year) and throughout periods when he was rarely at Westminster.

“The £400 per month allowance has been available without production of receipts.  However, the MP must sign this declaration:

"I confirm that I incurred these costs wholly, exclusively and necessarily to enable me to stay overnight away from my only or main home for the purpose of performing my duties as a Member of Parliament."

“I’m sure many struggling families throughout North Antrim will be appalled at the scale of these claims and bewildered as to how when parliament wasn’t even sitting taxpayers were meeting food claims of £400 per month.”

NI politics