Published: Tuesday, 30th June, 2009 11:00am

Maxed out McFall silent on food bill

by Colin Hutton

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But constituents outraged by MPs claims

THE area"s MP has refused to publicly justify his massive food bill.

John McFall, who regularly claims the maximum allowed without the need to provide receipts, this week declined an opportunity to demonstrate the claims were 'wholly, exclusively and necessarily' to enable him to eat while staying overnight away from his main home.

Mr McFall, who is listed in the Who Ate All the Pies section of the Daily Telegraph"s dossier of shame, also claimed hundreds of pounds for food during the Summer recesses and rung up a total of £7,800 between 2006 and 2008.

This week constituents have been expressing their outrage at the amount the 64-year-old has claimed and some have accused him of abusing the system and believe he is simply topping up his already impressive salary of £77,000.

Some said they thought that £400 - which Mr McFall regularly claims for himself monthly - could feed a family of four.

The Reporter put this to Mr McFall, who is chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, and asked him if he would like to specifically comment on his claims on the food allowance.

Our request read: 'Although you are allowed to claim this amount, in the Green Book of rules MPs are told that all claims must be incurred "wholly, exclusively and necessary" to enable them to stay overnight away from their main home.

'It states that members must ensure that all claims are "above reproach" and there must be "no suggestion of misuse of public money".

'As the credit crunch continues to cripple many families across the area, do you believe these claims are justified and will you be reassessing what you claim for in the future?

'As you consistently claimed the maximum amount, in the interests of openness and transparency, can you supply evidence that these claims are genuine, i.e. receipts, or would you be able to supply the Reporter with a list of your weekly shopping list?

'MPs have been criticised for using the system to top up their salaries and the food expense claims are one area open to such criticism.'

But Mr McFall turned down our request and said that he was not willing to give a 'running commentary' on his expenses.

He added: 'All my claims are on my website, including current ones, which is in excess of what is required.

'As is my practice I am happy to engage with constituents on this and any other issues.

'I look forward to Sir Christopher Kelly"s report and will, as I have always done, fully abide with any new arrangements.

'I am fully content for everything to do with allowances and salaries being taken away from MPs.

'In addition, the Parliamentary Standards Authority which will be established in the future will independently monitor and pay all MP"s allowances.

'These are moves which I warmly welcome.'