Prater welcomes Howard's response on Freedom of Information

Lib Dem Folkestone Councillor Tim Prater has welcomed Michael Howard's conformation that he was going to vote against the Freedom of Information (Parliament) Order 2009. The Order, which was intended to allow MPs a Freedom of Information loophole not to fully publish their expenses, was withdrawn after concerted opposition from the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives.

Michael Howard, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, in response to an email from Tim Prater, said:

"Had there been a vote, I would have certainly voted against the motion and for transparency."

Tim Prater commented:

"This is a welcome response from Michael Howard: I'm pleased he would have supported the greatest possible transparency for MPs expenses. It is an outrage that the Government could even think of making MPs a special case - they should be subject to the same rules as everyone else.

"The Register of Members Interests already requires MPs to list their sources of income outside Parliament: while I would much prefer to have a full time MP, at least it is clear what additional income my MP gets, and from whom.

"For example, at www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/michael_howard/folkestone_and_hythe#register I can simply find out that Michael Howard is a director at Amteus plc, Offshield Limited, Entrée Gold Inc, Northern Racing Limited. I can find details of his renumerated income, gifts, and paid-for overseas visits. It's properly transparent - as should details of MPs expense claims paid for by Parliament - and I'm pleased he agrees.

"I hope all MPs will support full transparency - not some form of cop out - if and when this question returns to Parliament."