MSP expenses claims 'tightened'

David McLetchie charged some journeys to his former law firm

The Scottish Parliament is to tighten procedures for examining MSPs' expense claims.

It follows the publication of hundreds of taxi expense claims by Scottish Conservative leader David McLetchie.

Mr McLetchie charged some journeys to his former law firm to the Holyrood account but failed to specify a start and end point on some expense forms.

A parliament spokesman said its new guidelines would ensure MSPs were not confused by the process.

Full details of Mr McLetchie's claims have been published by Holyrood following a ruling by Freedom of Information Commissioner Kevin Dunion.

We will now tighten our examination procedures where officials will ensure that a clear destination is stated in every case and will advise members accordingly Scottish Parliament spokesman

The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) had refused to give details of the journeys as it felt doing so could compromise his safety and security.

However, Mr Dunion said there was "no basis" to that claim and ordered that the information be disclosed.

Following the ruling Mr McLetchie admitted that he had claimed less than £900 for journeys to the offices of Tods Murray and BBC Scotland's Edinburgh Queen Street office between 1999 and 2004.

The Scottish Tories said he was using the law offices in Queen Street for parliamentary duties as well as legal work.

Tory reaction

The MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands was a partner in Tods Murray until February this year.

He said the claims had been approved and that there had been no suggestion that they were excessive.

He also argued that the ruling should apply to all journeys undertaken by MSPs and ministers.

Speaking on Wednesday, a parliament spokesman said: "We will now tighten our examination procedures where officials will ensure that a clear destination is stated in every case and will advise members accordingly.

"Our internal auditors fully acknowledge that the responsibility for submitting complete and accurate expense claims rests with and should continue to rest with the claimant."

A Scottish Tory spokesman said of Mr McLetchie's claims: "Everything has been completed to the satisfaction of the parliament."