MPs on too low a wage (From Gazette Series)

MPs on too low a wage

SIR - Need a yardstick? Borrow mine!

The Gazette's details of MPs' expenses (October 29) was interesting to see published without adverse comments.

As Gazette readers will know, I have never voted for David Drew (nor any of the other five MPs listed by you). What I can say is that David Drew always replied promptly to letters from me and (without agreeing with my point of view regarding abolishing council tax) has struck me as being honest and straight-forward.

The expenses claimed by all our county's MPs are, to a large extent, red herrings. What counts is their salaries, £57,485 each. Compare this with the salaries of council employees - unelected: 1 Stroud District Council employee (with latest increase of 27 per cent) is equal to 1 x MP (elected) + 2 full-time firemen or 1 x MP + 2 fully trained paramedics.

Then let us have the same details of all council officials salaries and the expenses they gobble up with their staff and use this information to decide whether our MPs are value for money.

The obvious conclusion (using this yardstick) is MPs' salaries are too low and council employees' too high!

M Fox, Beyon Drive, Cam