THE article about MPs’ travel expenses, Hugh Bayley in particular, is shocking (The Press, June 20).

What a waste. His travel expenses, and those of every other MP, were taxpayers’ money, many of whom can’t afford a trip of their own to anywhere.

Mr Bayley said the trip in question was arranged and paid for by the House of Commons.

Where does he think that money originated? Without taxpayers there wouldn’t be any money in the House of Commons.

In this age of abundant electronic communications, where you can see and hear other people, exactly why is there a need to spend our money on these trips?

Even though they are in the name of work, it is possible to do any business within a conference call where all join in at the same time and, if that means staying up a little late at night, then so be it.

At least it would save lots of our money which could be spent on some of the essentials required by this country, along with a saving of lots of tiring travel time.

A lot more thought needs to be given to how our money is disposed of by those who dictate austerity to the rest of us.

Janet S Kitchen-Cooper, Ashley Park Road, York

 

£5,026 is an awful lot of money to be spent on return travel to South Korea (The Press, June 20).

It is possible to fly to Australia and back, a greater distance, for around £1,000 economy and £4,000 business class.

By shopping around it is possible to get even lower fares on special deals.

For example, a group of delegates attending a special meeting could negotiate a rate for bulk tickets.

Perhaps Sir Hugh Bayley could explain why a cheaper ticket could not be obtained in order to lessen the burden on taxpayers?

Matthew Laverack, Lord Mayors Walk, York