Downing Street Says

» Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Expenses

Asked whether the Prime Minister still advised MP’s to make necessary payments when they received Sir Thomas Legg’s letters in light of an overcharging error in Ken Clarke’s letter, the PMS replied that the Prime Minister advised MP’s with questions to write to Sir Thomas Legg for clarification within the allocated three-week period and then to pay what is asked. The PMS said the process allowed MP’s the chance to reply to Sir Thomas Legg before deciding the basis of their payments.

Asked whether the Prime Minister would review his own letter from Sir Thomas Legg in light of the error in Ken Clarke’s, the PMS said the Prime Minister had already made his position and action clear.

Put that Number 10 may have growing concerns about the number of errors in letters being sent to MP’s by Sir Thomas Legg, the PMS said it was not surprising there would be potential inaccuracies considering the amount of data Sir Thomas Legg and his team were working with. The PMS said time had been built time into the process for MP’s to raise questions they may have with Sir Thomas Legg.

Asked if the Prime Minister had made his repayment, the PMS replied that he would enquire.

Put that No10 had changed its tone from pay up quickly’ to a realisation and acceptance there may have been inaccuracies’ on the Legg letters, the PMS said there had been no change in tone, the process had always been clear, including built in time for queries. The PMS said the Prime Minister hoped and expected that MPs would follow his cue in paying back money where requested.

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