Members: Second Homes

Mr. Frank Field
To ask the Leader of the House how many hon. Members claim for a second home (a) in London and (b) in their constituency.

Helen Goodman
Hon. Members are entitled to claim the additional costs allowance when staying away from their main home on parliamentary business. The allowance may be used for help with the cost of purchase or rental of a property, or for hotel or other overnight costs. In 2006-07 441 Members claimed the allowance for staying in London and 148 in their constituency.