Revealed: The MPs given TWO iPads by the Commons
By Ian Dunt, Stuart Long and Tony Hudson
At least twelve MPs have been given two iPads from Commons authorities, Politics.co.uk can reveal.
The MPs on the list are those who have claimed an iPad on expenses and also been given one as part of their duties on Commons select committees.
The embarrassment of riches comes as part of a drive from some select committees to go paper-free, in a bid to cut costs and modernise parliamentary operations.
But it is unclear why MPs would need one iPad for their committee work and another for their other duties, especially given that the much-desired item is specifically designed for its portability.
Among the 13 committees to go paper-free are the business committee, the energy committee and the public accounts committee, which tracks parliamentary spending.
The 'digital-first' initiative allows for written evidence to be submitted electronically and reduces the need for mass printing of oral and written testimonies.
All participating committees apart from the liaison, local government, defence, and work and pensions committee also decided to loan MPs an iPad as part of the initiative.
Using a freedom of information request, Politics.co.uk cross-referenced the number of MPs who had received a free iPad from their committee as well as claiming one on expenses since February last year.
Among the MPs are Austin Mitchell, Bernard Jenkin and Paul Flynn.
A spokesperson for Mitchell said: "Mr Mitchell did claim an iPad and then later was issued one through the public accounts committee.
"The first one was claimed in order to assist Mr Mitchell with his parliamentary work. When the second one was issued the ‘spare’ was then free to be used by members of Austin's staff in both Westminster or the constituency, wherever it was required."
Bernard Jenkin told politics.co.uk his previous iPad did not have the upgrade needed to support the sychronisation software used in committee work.
"The iPad provides a dramatic improvement in convenience and a very sharp reduction in the quantity of paper needed," he added.
The full list is:
- Ann McKechin MP
- Anne McIntosh MP
- Austin Mitchell MP
- Barry Gardiner MP
- Bernard Jenkin MP
- Brian Binley MP
- Caroline Dinenage MP
- David Heyes MP
- Geraint Davies MP
- Jackie Doyle-Price MP
- John Robertson MP
- Paul Flynn MP
