In answer to the question posed by D Howse in the (Oxford Mail, August 7), the £26,390 I received in expenses this year covers my attendance allowance of £17,685, travel expenses of £8,642 and subsistence expenses of £63.

Before implementing the present scheme of payment, the authority followed the advice of an independent panel which recommended that we use our current method of working out expenses.

It is in line with the methods used by police authorities throughout the UK.

My travel expenses cover the cost of public transport (predominantly by rail) between my home in the south of Thames Valley and the Authority HQ in Kidlington, as well as transport to and from national police meetings in London and throughout Britain.

My attendance allowance covers my time spent working as chairman of the authority.

CHRISTINE WESTON, chairman, Thames Valley Police Authority