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30/03/2009
Smith Apologises Over Adult Film Expenses
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has been forced to apologise for trying to claim back the cost of the family's television package, which included two pornographic movies.
The latest embarrassment comes just months after Ms Smith was embroiled in a row over her reportedly claiming at least £116,00 in second home allowances on a house in Reddich whilst listing a London flat she shares with her sister as her main home.
Tory Leader David Cameron has called the latest expenses claims as "hugely embarrassing for her and the government".
He added that such revelations were "dragging everyone down into the mire".
It has been stressed the Home Secretary did not actually see the films, which were viewed by her husband Richard Timney, at their family home in Redditch, Worcestershire, while she was away.
Mr Timney, who is employed by Ms Smith in her constituency office, submitted a claim for a £67 Virgin Media bill last June.
The bill included two adult films, costing £5 each, as well as two viewings of Ocean's 13, and one of children's film Surf's Up.
Yesterday, Mr Timney made a public statement apologising for embarrassing his wife.
Meanwhile his wife said she promised to repay all the costs, including the £10 charge for the two adult films.
Apologising for the wrongful claim, Smith said: "I am sorry that, in claiming for my internet connection, I mistakenly claimed for a television package alongside it.
"As soon as the matter was brought to my attention, I took immediate steps to contact the relevant parliamentary authorities and rectify the situation. All money claimed for the television package will be paid back in full."
Ms Smith was already under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, John Lyon, after reportedly claiming second home allowances.
The review call followed the disclosure that another Government member, Immigration Minister Tony McNulty, had claimed £60,000 in second home allowances on the house his parents live in in his Harrow constituency, even though he lived only a few miles away in Hammersmith, west London.
(JM/BMcC)
The latest embarrassment comes just months after Ms Smith was embroiled in a row over her reportedly claiming at least £116,00 in second home allowances on a house in Reddich whilst listing a London flat she shares with her sister as her main home.
Tory Leader David Cameron has called the latest expenses claims as "hugely embarrassing for her and the government".
He added that such revelations were "dragging everyone down into the mire".
It has been stressed the Home Secretary did not actually see the films, which were viewed by her husband Richard Timney, at their family home in Redditch, Worcestershire, while she was away.
Mr Timney, who is employed by Ms Smith in her constituency office, submitted a claim for a £67 Virgin Media bill last June.
The bill included two adult films, costing £5 each, as well as two viewings of Ocean's 13, and one of children's film Surf's Up.
Yesterday, Mr Timney made a public statement apologising for embarrassing his wife.
Meanwhile his wife said she promised to repay all the costs, including the £10 charge for the two adult films.
Apologising for the wrongful claim, Smith said: "I am sorry that, in claiming for my internet connection, I mistakenly claimed for a television package alongside it.
"As soon as the matter was brought to my attention, I took immediate steps to contact the relevant parliamentary authorities and rectify the situation. All money claimed for the television package will be paid back in full."
Ms Smith was already under investigation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards, John Lyon, after reportedly claiming second home allowances.
The review call followed the disclosure that another Government member, Immigration Minister Tony McNulty, had claimed £60,000 in second home allowances on the house his parents live in in his Harrow constituency, even though he lived only a few miles away in Hammersmith, west London.
(JM/BMcC)
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Jacqui Smith Must 'Say Sorry To Commons'
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