Food laid on..

It seems that immediate action will be taken to make MPs allowances more transparent. For instance, they must produce receipts for all expenses over £25, - a considerable reduction from the previous figures.

One thing, at least is not mentioned now and will be dealt with "later". (Long grass comes to mind).This is the tax free food allowance, given because the darlings are working away from home.

There are two questions:
1) Why is this one group of workers treated differently, or are they, in not having to declare for tax purposes a benefit in kind? Of course they have to buy food in London, which is more expensive than if they lived and worked in Little Piddling in the Marsh. But then again, in Little Piddling there would be no vast wine cellars or subsidised meals.

The attachment "tax free" is of concern. Why are they treated as a special case? At their income levels they ought to be paying tax at 40%, so this is a considerable perk.

2) Why are these figures, at least for a time, not to be revealed? We are their employers. Are there any private sector employers who would be so in ignorance and so tolerant about this generosity