Members of the House of Commons were reprimanded in the media for splashing out £11,000 in just one week in Parliament’s subsidised bars. Still, credit where credit is due, at least the politicians paid for their drinks.
This is more than can be said for some members of the House of Lords. Despite the restaurants and bars in the House of Lords being so heavily subsidised that champagne is cut-price and lobster a mere £10 in the Barry Room, a Freedom of Information request shows that some members aren’t paying up.
As of 8 April, there was an outstanding bill of over a month for £500 worth of food and drink ordered by members of the House of Lords. Among the worst offenders were Lord Razzall, the Lib Dem peer, who owed £114.80 and Lord Williams of Elvel, the Labour peer, who racked up an unpaid bill of £106.65. Both had not paid the bill after 30 days:
Given that members are paid a daily three figure sum just to sit in the House of Lords, Mr S hopes they settle any outstanding tabs with speed.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in