DAVID Cherry (Oxford Mail, April 3) is a little naïve if he really imagines members of the Government are the only ones claiming unmerited allowances.

It is not that long since a Tory MP was found to be paying his student son a parliamentary allowance with little evidence of work performed in return.

Misuse of parliamentary allowances is an issue that crosses party lines, and all parties need to be more active in disciplining MPs who abuse the system.

Mr Cherry is also sadly misinformed if he thinks those working in what he calls the real world would be sacked for similar behaviour.

Sadly, even worse abuses can be found in business. To quote just one example: for many years, investment bankers have pocketed mind-boggling sums in bonuses on the basis of dubious investments, yet nobody questioned their practices, let alone sacked them, until they brought the markets to the point of collapse.

A few MPs may have pocketed a few thousand; the bankers meanwhile have been pocketing millions. Tighter control of MPs’ allowances may be desirable; tighter regulation of the banks is absolutely essential.

Chris Robins Kidlington Parish Councillor Foxdown Close Kidlington