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Members' Salaries, Pensions and Allowances

My hon. Friend has for some time been raising the question of the mileage allowance of which he has long experience, and I will let him speak for himself on that matter. I would not like to incorporate it into my amendment. I could say facetiously that if he got a quad bike it would be a lot cheaper to run, but one gets a little more abuse as well. I end by reassuring all hon. Members, particularly Government Members, that I will vote for the Leader of the House's motion even if she votes down my amendment. I do not particularly want to force a vote, but many colleagues expect me to do so. If I can have the assurance that the Leader of the House will bring forward our MEC memorandum and allow it to be considered, debated or voted on when Sir John produces his no doubt excellent independent report, I would not wish to force the matter to a vote. I have signed some other amendments, but I accept the Government's and the Opposition's exhortations that we should stick with the pay norms that they recommend. That is a simple request. I am not out to damage the Government or to harm the Opposition. My amendment is innocuous and straightforward, but it is a chance to give the MEC the opportunity to sort out our pay just as we have been given the responsibility of sorting out our allowances.