Cunningham faces probe into perks

18 January 1999

Cunningham faces probe into perks

SHADOW agricultural minister Tim Yeo is to ask for a parliamentary inquiry into the expenses claims of former Agriculture Minister Jack Cunningham.

Dr Cunningham is also alleged to have run up huge bills at one of Brussels finest restaurants, LEcailler du Palais Royal, during his term in office from 1997-8.

In his former job, he also stayed at the five-star Conrad Hotel in Brussels when other ministers favoured smaller hotels close to European institution buildings.

Mr Yeo is to write to David Davis, chairman of the Public Accounts Committee and Peter Luff, chairman of the Agricultural Select Committee, asking for an investigation.

Dr Cunningham moved from agriculture last summer to the Cabinet Office, where he was given the job of co-ordinating Government policy and presentation across Whitehall.

• The Times 18/01/99 page 2
  
• Financial Times 18/01/99 page 6
  
• The Guardian 18/01/99 page 2
  
• The Daily Telegraph 18/01/99 page 6