Norfolk MP Keith Simpson has cast light on his spending of �185.59 on light bulbs for his London flat over a four-year period.He did so after being asked to explain the expenditure by the Daily Telegraph as part of its continuing probing into leaked information about MPs' expenses claims.
Norfolk MP Keith Simpson has cast light on his spending of �185.59 on light bulbs for his London flat over a four-year period.
He did so after being asked to explain the expenditure by the Daily Telegraph as part of its continuing probing into leaked information about MPs' expenses claims.
The Mid Norfolk Tory MP said that his Westminster flat, which he rents, has over 30 halogen light fittings which are an integral part of the ceilings and provide most of the lighting. The bulbs are quite expensive - �4-�5 each - and have a tendency to blow easily, he added.
As the flat is a basement one it probably requires more artificial light than one on a higher floor, he continued, and the lights, being an integral part of the flat, could reasonably be put under a heading of “utilities”.
The light bulb expenditure in question was made in the period 2004/05-2008/09.
“The public has every right to know how much has been spent from my allowances and on what,” said Mr Simpson last night. “I hope that my constituents will regard this as a reasonable and necessary claim.”
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