David Maddox: How much does an SNP supporter cost the taxpayer?
An interesting written answer has popped up on the list on the parliament website which shows that the SNP ministers are intent on avoiding any details getting out of how much taxpayers' cash they hand out to party supporters. Here it is:
Lord George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were incurred by and reimbursements made to Elaine C Smith as a consequence of her radio recordings for Weather Wise.
John Swinney: I regret that, under the Data Protection Act 1998, Section 7 (4) and (6), I am unable to release the information requested by the member.
Ms Smith has confirmed that she will be using her fee to fund her support for a range of charities.
The reason for this question is that Ms Smith is a well known SNP supporter and chairs the Scottish Independence Convention. It seems quite a coincidence that she should get the gig to provide the tips on radio for the Scottish Government's Weather Wise campaign in the recent cold snap.
It is highly reminiscent of the row caused by another question from the noble one one the Scottish Government "kickbacks" for the SNP supporting singer Sandi Thom (the one who did a duet with Alex Salmond). Then the Scottish Government admitted to forking out almost £10,000 in expenses including £580 for a breakfast to her for performing at government events.
The incident was highly embarrassing for the SNP and this written answer on Elaine C Smith shows that they intend to avoid any repeat in terms of damaging headlines.
Ms Smith may be giving her money to charity, which is of course highly commendable, but we should be allowed to know how much of our money is being handed out to people, government party supporters or not.
Lord George Foulkes (Lothians) (Lab): To ask the Scottish Executive what costs were incurred by and reimbursements made to Elaine C Smith as a consequence of her radio recordings for Weather Wise.
John Swinney: I regret that, under the Data Protection Act 1998, Section 7 (4) and (6), I am unable to release the information requested by the member.
Ms Smith has confirmed that she will be using her fee to fund her support for a range of charities.
The reason for this question is that Ms Smith is a well known SNP supporter and chairs the Scottish Independence Convention. It seems quite a coincidence that she should get the gig to provide the tips on radio for the Scottish Government's Weather Wise campaign in the recent cold snap.
It is highly reminiscent of the row caused by another question from the noble one one the Scottish Government "kickbacks" for the SNP supporting singer Sandi Thom (the one who did a duet with Alex Salmond). Then the Scottish Government admitted to forking out almost £10,000 in expenses including £580 for a breakfast to her for performing at government events.
The incident was highly embarrassing for the SNP and this written answer on Elaine C Smith shows that they intend to avoid any repeat in terms of damaging headlines.
Ms Smith may be giving her money to charity, which is of course highly commendable, but we should be allowed to know how much of our money is being handed out to people, government party supporters or not.
Labels: David Maddox, Elaine C Smith, George Foulkes, Scottish Government, SNP
posted by Administrator at
10:20
3 Comments:
I don't know whether to laugh or cry.
Did it cross your mind to ask how much Lord Foulkes claims from the public purse David or was his hand so far up your backside it was too painful to turn round and ask?
Great journalism, I've come to expect nothing less from you.
Would this be the same Lord George Foulkes who writes a column for the Edinburgh Evening News under the description of "a respected politician", who claimed nearly £45,000 in overnight expenses to stay in a property he inherited from his late mother?
George Foulkes, who is also an MSP, billed the public to stay in a London flat registered as his company's address. His London abode also appears to be the business address for his work as a director and political consultant with Carrick Court Associates, which makes £50,000 per year.
The Lord Foulkes who claimed £54,441 in allowances for 94 days attendance (£579/day)at the House of Lords.
Earns £36,000 as a Parliamentary Consultant to Eversheds LLP for 36 days work (£1000/day)
Claimed £3061.17 in allowances from the Scottish Parliament between April 2008 and March 2009
Salary for a Member of the Scottish Parliament £56,671.
So he trousers £110,000 in salary from the taxpayer, more than a government minister. The Lord George Foulkes continues to waste public and government time and money by asking stupid questions like how much money the Scottish Government has spent on spacehoppers, and the one above, which reportedly costs the Government nearly £100,000 to answer.
Why don’t you question the real wasters Mr Maddox?
Ach, this is just daft. Governments make promotional material and use well kent faces all the time. If you are the Government you get to pick who the well kent face is.
Labour did it, and now the SNP are doing it too.
You might as well blog about it raining or the bus not turning up. This is just a moan.
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