By Martin Banks - 3rd March 2008
A former president of parliament has demanded a “full and thorough” investigation into an alleged MEP expenses scam.
The call, by Pat Cox, follows the furore over parliament’s refusal to publish a report by its internal auditor which is said to detail widespread abuse of the expenses regime.
The report has been forwarded to Olaf, the EU’s anti-fraud office.
Speaking to this website, the Irishman said he hoped an investigation would expose fraudulent activities by MEPs.
“Has there been fraud and, if so, to what extent?” he asked.
“Of course, I am not privy to the auditor’s report but I have followed the recent publicity with interest, not least because I helped steer through parliament the reforms to the system which will be introduced next year.
“Parliament has a right to fight fraud and it is right that it has gone to Olaf where I hope the matter will be fully investigated.”
Cox, now president of European Movement, added, “One thing is for sure, this sort of thing does not reflect well on parliament.”
UK ALDE deputy Chris Davies referred the matter to Olaf and is one of the few members who have publicly called for the report to be published.
He said the ALDE group will this week call for disclosure and hopes to persuade at least 100 MEPs to endorse a letter to this effect.
“I also want the media to ask the president directly why parliament is destroying the reputation of the institution and all its MEPs by keeping this report secret,” he said.
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