It is extremely sad to see that our elected representatives in Parliament, many now probably basking, in some foreign clime, during their summer recess, have exhibited little humility since the revelations concerning many of their number misappropriating substantial public funds in expense claims.

In the first flush of this embarrassing revelation, the two main party leaders were quick to promise that no future expense payments would be made without the production of the relevant receipt of each MP.

However we learn that this has been quietly sidelined by the latest decision of a committee headed by the newly elected speaker, John Bercow who with a representative from each of the three main parties, published in the MPs Green Book, without debate or open discussion, just before Parliament broke up for the recess, states that no receipts for claimed expenses, are now required.

So nothing has changed and by the electorate failing to intervene, they are effectively continuing to allow MPs to decide there own salaries and level of expenses.

The previous status quo has apparently been restored, so MPs can carry on as before raiding the public purse with customary impunity.

Many are of course cynically hoping that by the time the General Election (2010) comes around, all this will have blown over and forgotten, as ever relying upon the short memories of the majority of the electorate, they will be voted back into power.

This also illustrates how Parliamentary democratic procedures can be bypassed, something which this present Government has been practising for some years now. We have most MP's of whatever hue, effectively ruled by the Party Machine and 'whipped' into submission, so that they are allowed to vote on very few matters by 'conscience' but are under instruction from the party whips.

What we urgently need in Parliament is not simply more women MPs but more independent MPs (of whatever sex) unshackled by party loyalties and able to prevent our country being handed over by 'unscrupulous decisions' taken by our Leaders, without the majority of the electorate's permission or consultation.

E J TILLEY, The Oaks, Chorley.