LETTER:Market for MPs

From Lord Broadbridge

Sir: We in the Lords have been viewing with some amusement the furore over MPs' salary levels. What is only infrequently mentioned is that their allowances in many cases treble or more their nominal salary.

Is is said that an MP recently advertised for a secretary. Facing his preferred candidate he asked, "And what salary would you be wanting?".

"Fifty pounds per week," she replied.

"Oh, I'll pay you that with pleasure."

"Oh, no," she said. "It'll be pounds 200 per week with pleasure."

Yours faithfully,

Broadbridge

House of Lords

London, SW1

27 February