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Members' Salaries, Pensions and Allowances

I absolutely understand that. That is why I support the proposal that the administration of this matter, including its interpretation, should go to the Members Estimate Committee, as recommended in the motion. The proposal should be subject to that process, but it should not be subject to a delay in respect of the year to which it applies. There is no significant difference between the hon. Gentleman and me. The decision should apply from 1 April, but the details of definition need to be worked out fairly. The hon. Member for Cities of London and Westminster (Mr. Field) rightly identified that all the recommendations bar one have been dealt with. Three relate to staff and we are asked to agree to them, while we are asked to refer the rest to the MEC and other deliberative bodies. One, however, has been dropped and eliminated. I declare an interest in the matter, but I cannot help it because I am an MP representing an inner-London constituency. Presently, inner-London MPs and outer-London MPs may opt for a London allowance in line with many other London public sector workers, as opposed to an alternative that in theory is more generous. The Senior Salaries Review Body report says under the heading of ““London Supplement”” in paragraphs 5.58 and 5.59:"““The Supplementary London Allowance… which is currently set at £2,812 is payable to MPs with inner London constituencies who are not eligible to receive ACA and to MPs with outer London constituencies who do not claim for expenditure under the ACA.””" It goes on to say that comparable circumstances were looked into and it concludes:"““We believe that the London Supplement should be increased to reflect the extra living costs found in London and therefore recommend that the London Supplement be increased to £3,500 and henceforth… in line with the Public Sector Average Earnings Index””." That must surely be included in the basket for consideration; it is nonsense to take that out altogether as if it were not a serious issue. It is an issue for Greater London MPs of all parties. I hope that colleagues will vote accordingly and that the Government will accept it.