Labour MEPs representing the north west say they cannot rule out abuse of the system but insist there own claims are above board. Arlene McCarthy said: " As a group we hand over our accounts every year to an independant auditor who confirms and verifies that their is full compliance with European rules." The MEP says she claims for four members of staff - three full time and one trainee.
Colleague Gary Titley, whose wife is employed as his secretary, said: " We have nothing to fear." He stressed: " Some people might wonder why my wife is my secretary, and the answer is that first and foremost she is fully qualified and bilingual."
" WE HANG THE PETTY THIEVES,
AND APPOINT THE GREAT ONES
TO PUBLIC OFFICE "
FOURTEEN WORDS.