The Echo recently reported on the number of written questions David Amess, Southend West MP, has tabled in the House of Commons during the past year (June 12) Some of the 929 written questions relate to some pretty bizarre issues.

As as MP, he is entitled to ask questions, and no doubt some should be asked.

However, at the reported estimated cost to the taxpayer of £149 per question, a total of some £140,000 for the questions he tabled, would he be so keen to pay for them out of his own pocket?

One of Mr Amess’s recent oral questions was on MPs’ expenses. On June 15 he asked how many debates and votes there have been on the subject since 1983, the year he became an MP.

One can only speculate why he asked this question!

Fortunately, he was told the cost of providing the answer would incur a disproportionate cost so he won't be getting it.

For people who wish to keep tabs on what questions their MPs are asking www.theyworkforyou.com is a non-partisan website run by a charity which aims to make it easy for people to keep tabs on their elected and unelected representatives in Parliament.

Garry Sheen
Boyce Hill Close
Leigh