So, following my post of a few days ago about the MEP Roger Helmer offering a free DVD which puts right what he says are misconceptions about climate change, I asked Mr Helmer how he funded this.
Are MEPs allowed to spend their allowances on such things?
The following is his (fair to say) prompt and open reply.
Dear Phil,
Not a bit of it. As a non-inscrit MEP, I have a
parliamentary "Information Fund" budget of around €40,000 a year which I can use
to inform the public about my work. A couple of years back, I produced 10,000
copies of a DVD on my day-to-day work in my region (I still have some and can
send you a copy if you want).
I am now a member of the parliament's Temporary Committee
on Climate Change, so it is entirely proper that I should share my views on this
matter with the general public. This seems to me like a good way to do
so.
I can also use this budget for leaflets, advertisements,
free pens and paper-weights, and for meetings and conferences on topics related
to my work.
Best regards.
ROGER HELMER
MEP
"While the US Constitution is chiefly about the rights of the
individual, the EU Constitution is chiefly about the power of the
state."
I also got a copy of said DVD in the post today. Nice picture of polar bears on the front. Let's see what it's got to say.......
update: and Mr Helmer said an addendum a few days later which I've just got round to adding below
Another point I
should have made. Some parliamentary allowances are made on a flat-rate basis
and allow the Member some discretion on the spending. In the case of
Information Funding, on the other hand, individual invoices are submitted for
reimbursement along with samples of any material produced, and the parliamentary
administration goes through each application with a fine-tooth comb to ensure
conformity with parliamentary rules. So you need have no worries on that
score!
Cheers.
R.
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