Appeal threat over MPs' expenses bid

Published on Friday 16 May 2008 21:48

HOUSE of Commons managers are considering whether to launch an appeal after losing a High Court battle to keep secret details of MPs' expenses.

Three senior judges ruled yesterday that the Information Tribunal acted within its powers when it demanded that a detailed breakdown of MPs' additional costs allowances (ACA) must be provided under the Freedom of Information Act.

Sir Igor Judge (President of the Queen's Bench Division), Lord Justice Latham and Mr Justice Blake, also ruled that the addresses of MPs' second homes should be disclosed.

In what was hailed by information seekers as "a victory for democracy", they said full disclosure was necessary because the tribunal had concluded that the ACA system was "deeply flawed" and lacked accountability.

Judges agreed that "public confidence in our system at its very pinnacle, the House of Commons itself" had been at stake.

They dismissed fears that it would lead to security risks and said that exemptions could be made "in the most pressing cases" if that was to occur. But Julian Lewis, a shadow defence minister, has asked for judges' addresses to be published in retaliation.

The prime minister's spokesman said that Mr Brown was "relaxed" about publication of his expenses details.