Vastly over represented

Sir, – The current furore about MPs’ salaries and expenses once more highlights the fact that we are vastly over represented in politics with little or no local control or accountability.

There is seating capacity for 427 in the House of Commons. I suggest that should be the number of members, some 200 fewer than at the moment. That alone would give the 427 a pay rise if the same total cost at present carried on.

I can hear the cries of the current lot saying that they require to answer their electors’ concerns. Perfectly true, but not the local little matters that should be dealt with by those elected to do that, ie county, town and city councils. We have plenty of them but far too many powers have been lost by Parliament taking control centrally of what very often should have been left at local level.

We in Scotland also are cursed with our extra layer of those who would control us in what Billy Connolly so aptly described as our “pretendy wee parliament”. Control should be in the hands of local people and that includes re-instating town and parish councils, where appropriate.

Lastly, the people should be able to get rid of a councillor, MSP or MP who is incompetent or venal without having to wait for the next election whilst the offender continues to draw salary and expenses.

John Dorward. 89 Brechin Road, Arbroath.