Lobbying fee MPs should answer to voters

Challenged about the allegation that he could influence government policy for cash, the former Cabinet minister, Stephen Byers, said he had been "exaggerating" his claims (your report, 23 March).

I and others would like to believe he was also exaggerating his outrageous request for a lobbying fee of 5,000 per day, but that seems to be a belief too far when one realises he is a member of what many feel is a discredited House of Commons full of expenses-grabbing MPs.

Astoundingly, Mr Byers says he is "confident" that the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, John Lyon, will clear him of breaching the House of Commons code of conduct.

I can only assume that Mr Byers thinks that the part of the code which clearly states: "Members shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner which will tend to maintain and strengthen the public's trust and confidence in the integrity of parliament and never undertake any action which would bring the House of Commons, or its members generally, into disrepute" does not apply to former Cabinet ministers.

MALCOLM W EWEN

Ferryhills Road

North Queensferry

The interviewer in Channel 4's lobbying sting operation deserves an Oscar for her performance in flushing out the mawkish greed of politicians too thick to learn from the still ongoing expenses scandal.

Her skilfully portrayed blend of innocent eagerness and flattery had them falling over themselves to display their greed and smugness. Party suspension goes nowhere near far enough. Proposals for House of Lords reform include the right to recall members in the case of unacceptable behaviour.

MPs innocent of such acts should force an immediate debate to make them similarly accountable through recall by constituents after the coming election. That would put power where it belongs: in the hands of the people.

ROBERT DOW

Ormiston Road

Tranent