Lunar troughing

A Labour MP has denied using a second home allowance for London to furnish her first home in south Wales.

Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon has been accused in the Daily Telegraph of claiming more than £4,000 in expenses for furniture bought in Wales.

Here is her response:

The insinuation of the Daily Telegraph that I have bought and retained goods using my Parliamentary allowance to furnish my home in Wales is unfounded. Before making purchases I have always contacted the Department of Finance and Administration to confirm that I was acting within the rules.

I bought the majority of my goods in Wales, during the summer recess of 2005 in places like Crazy Macs and Dunelm Mills in Swansea, Ikea in Cardiff and Curry’s in Bridgend. These and additional furniture from my family home were transported to London by a local furniture and haulage contractor once contracts on the flat had been exchanged. The Telegraph has a copy of the receipts confirming this.

I have bought the majority of my household goods in Wales where I knew I would have value for money and would bring money into the Welsh economy.

I fully support the publication of all receipts and the operation of clear guidelines for the spending of public money.

Madeleine Moon MP
Bridgend

Make of it as you will. Peter Hain has a house in Bridgend, doesn’t he?