Added 6/2/2010 - You are here: Jubilee River Home Page > Michael Trend allowances -  > How to contact me

Source documents http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200203/cmselect/cmstnprv/435/43509.htm

Extract from Select Committee on Standards and Privileges Third Report

Attachment 1 Letter to Mr Archie Cameron, Director of Operations, Department of Finance and Administration,
from Mr Michael Trend MP

I am now clear that I had a misunderstanding, honestly and genuinely held, about the terms of the ACA. As a result, I made claims on my Windsor residence which I now realise fall outside those terms. I very much regret this happened and I would like to offer my apologies to the House. I, of course, wish to set the matter right at once and I have offered to pay whatever is outstanding which I understand is £90,277. I understand that the House authorities are content for me to do so.

I am grateful to you for your help in this matter.

19 December 2002

 

Annex E

 

Letter to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards
from Mr Michael Trend MP

On 15th December 2002, the Mail on Sunday published a story alleging that I had for many years been claiming ACA in respect of a London property which did not exist, and when I seldom spent the night in London. This is also the allegation made in the complaints against me submitted to the parliamentary commissioner.

At the earliest opportunity, I checked my arrangements with Mr Archie Cameron of the Fees Office, who confirmed, of course, that all these allegations were false, since I had at no time claimed ACA in respect of any London residence.

In the course of my conversation, Mr Cameron told me that, the Windsor house having become my main residence, I should not have claimed ACA in respect of it. I was dismayed and very upset by this, because I had always acted in good faith in the belief that my conduct was perfectly proper.

However, I accepted what I was told by the Fees Office in December, and determined to put the matter right without delay. I enclose copies of letters exchanged between us, which show that my offer to pay the whole sum was accepted by the Fees Office, and that they now regard the matter as closed. My outstanding account with them has been settled in full.

My mistaken understanding of the effect of the rules concerning ACA was a belief honestly and genuinely held. However, I deeply regret having found myself in this position and have sincerely apologised for it.
 

21 January 2003