A HAMPSHIRE Euro MP is calling on the European Parliament's top civil servant to reveal how much is being squandered on maintaining a second seat in Strasbourg, France.
Most of the preparatory work and meetings of the 785-member parliament are held in Brussels but it holds 12 sessions a year in Strasbourg, a move some critics blast as a needless waste of cash.
Tory budget spokesman Richard Ashworth MEP believes the cost of the two-seat operation could be far higher than a pre-enlargement study in 2000, which put the figure at between £130m to £180m.
Mr Ashworth said: "The Strasbourg parliament is responsible for thousands of flights, car and lorry journeys, and much of the building must be heated and lit even when MEPs are not there.
"How can the EU claim to be taking the lead on climate change, when its own parliament is pumping out emissions for no justifiable reason?"
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article