Nigel Griffiths claim for radio was out of tune

Published on Saturday 30 May 2009 00:30

CLAIMS by Edinburgh South MP Nigel Griffiths that he needed a digital radio to keep up to date with Scottish news were undermined yesterday, as it emerged the stations he was trying to listen to cannot be picked up in London.

The radio was part of his 3,600 expenses claim for electrical equipment.

The unsuccessful attempt to bill taxpayers for a flat-screen TV, DVD player and radio is the one of the latest revelations in the expenses scandal. And he could have bought the equipment for a fraction of the price.

Tesco sells flat-screen TVs for under 100, with built-in Freeview. A Sky box, which, with a subscription, would have given him access to Scottish channels, could have cost him 200 but is currently on offer for 49.

Mr Griffiths tried to justify the expense yesterday, saying: "I mainly used (them] to watch Scottish TV news programmes affecting my constituents. I also purchased a digital radio, again primarily for listening to BBC Radio Scotland."

However, BBC Scotland confirmed its radio stations cannot be picked up in London using a digital radio.

He also claimed 9,250 to revamp his flat's kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, 220 for carpets and 230 for pots and kitchen utensils.