ROGER WILLIAMS WELCOMES PMs STATEMENT ON EXPENSES

3.23.32pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Jun 2009

Roger Williams, MP for Brecon and Radnorshire and Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for Wales, has welcomed the statement by the Prime Minister on constitutional reform and MPs expenses.

Commenting today, Mr Williams said:

"I welcome the statement by the Prime Minister. Even though it was rather late I am pleased that the new scheme for expenses is going to be introduced as soon as possible and that it will be backed up by a system of full auditing. I also welcome the full audit of all expenses claimed over the last five years and the repayment of any expenses that have been received but are outside the scheme.

"The expenses that have been claimed from 2004/05 will soon be available to the public and that is a step forward.

"I have always supported the Freedom of Information Act being applied to Members of Parliament. On the 18th May 2007 I voted against an attempt by the former Conservative Chief Whip (David MacLean MP), to have an MPs exemption to the Freedom of Information Act. Unfortunately the Bill was carried by 113 votes to 27 votes. Luckily there was nobody in the Lords who was willing to take the Bill forward.

"On the 3rd July 2008 I voted for an improved scheme to cover allowances and for an external audit, as did all Liberal Democrat MPs who were in the Chamber on the day. Sadly we were defeated by 172 votes to 144 votes.

"Earlier this year the Government made another proposal to exclude MPs from the Freedom of Information Act but withdrew it after pressure from the Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.

"I would welcome a quick conclusion of the historic audit and the introduction of a tighter and more specific scheme so that Parliament can concentrate on its purposes of providing leadership for the economy and support for those badly affected by the recession."