SNP members have been great value

Sir, I write in response to the letter from D Johnson, Tarbert, (‘A poor choice of election candidates’, The Oban Times, June 1).

While I agree with his comments regarding Alan Reid and Jamie McGrigor, I take exception to his comment regarding Brendan O’Hara.

The latest Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA - http:// www.theipsa.org.uk/) show SNP MPs are the hardest working MPs at Westminster, cost significantly less and are better value for money than their predecessors from other parties. Here are the facts. Figures published on IPSA’s website confirm that in 2015-16 SNP MPs in fact cost more than £1 million (£1,140,801.64) less than their predecessors in 2014-15. On average, SNP MPs cost more than £21,000 less than their predecessors.

New figures show that SNP MPs work harder than their predecessors, and are some of the most active MPs at Westminster.

In 2016, SNP MPs spoke in an average of 64 debates. This compares to an average of just 43 debates for Labour MPs and 38 debates for Conservative MPs.

SNP MPs have each tabled an average of 58 written parliamentary questions. In total, SNP MPs have tabled over 3,000 written parliamentary questions – holding UK government ministers to account and providing a strong voice for Scotland at Westminster.

SNP MPs have tabled over 600 early day motions - helping bring attention to the important issues facing local communities, the people of Scotland and the UK. SNP MPs have contributed to the work of 77 select committees, sub-committees, bill committees and commissions, including chairing three select committees. I Sanderson, Tarbert.