Annex T
Statement from Nigel Griffiths MP—Thursday
13 December 2001
Mr Griffiths said:
"I am pleased that the House of Commons Fees
Office have concluded that this arrangement is acceptable but
I acknowledge there was an error in failing to register these
matters and notify the relevant House authorities. I have apologised
to House of Commons authorities and have rectified my entry in
the Register of Members' Interests."
The Small Business Minister Nigel Griffiths MP today
published a letter he has received from the House of Commons Fees
Office confirming that rental arrangements covering his constituency
office are acceptable under current rules.
The letter confirms:
1. the rent figure has been independently assessed
2. that it is the correct figure
3. that they will continue to pay the rent.
NOTES
- Mr Griffith purchased his office at Minto Street
with his own resources derived from a family legacy.
- The Fees Office has confirmed separately that
Nigel Griffiths has contributed more than £31,000 from his
salary towards his constituency office.
- Following the statement from the Fees Office,
Mr Griffiths met Commissioner Elizabeth Filkin to apologise for
non-registration and to confirm that this has now been rectified.
The entry reads: "I own a property at 31 Minto Street, Edinburgh
which I use as a constituency office and in respect of which I
have received a one-off payment from a Member of the Scottish
Parliament for the use of office facilities during the period
of four years. I also receive small payments for occasional use
by trade union committees."
- Commissioner Filkin is conducting her review
as she is obliged by the House of Commons to do in every case
where she receives a complaint.
ENDS
| 
