SHONA MCISAAC HAS WELCOMED the long-awaited publication of the investigation into MPs expenses and allowances.

Following detailed examination of all MPs accounts, auditors have concluded that all of Shona's finances complied with the rules and that there were no errors or over-claims. She has therefore not been asked to repay any money to House of Commons authorities.

Commenting on the release, Shona said:

'Obviously, it is re-assuring to know that my accounts are above board. But to be blunt, this process has dragged on for far too long. When the news broke last year, various investigations and audits were set up to go through five years worth of expenditure, bills and receipts. It was hoped that these could be concluded quickly. Unfortunately, it has taken much longer to complete the audit.

'I've always tried to be careful when doing my accounts and my claims have been some of the lowest out of more than 600 MPs. It's also right that we're as open as we can be about our claims.

'I never know about the so-called John Lewis list. I'm more likely to get things from places like Argos, Staples and Tesco.

'Back in the summer, the initial finding regarding my expenditure was that there were no issues or problems. In December, Sir Thomas Legg wrote to me to confirm the initial findings. I'm pleased that this is now in the public domain.

'I hope people keep mind that the rules governing pay and allowances have been changed and that the figures being released today relate to a system that no longer exists., In future, all of the issues will be determined independently. This is a move I welcome. As I have said for many years, MPs should never have been allowed to vote on their own pay and allowances.'

For details of Shona's allowances, please go to:

http://www.shonamcisaac.com/expenditure--allowances

4 February 2010