TERESA Rumsey, Soapbox May 27, is right about the need for a thorough investigation into MPs expenses, but surely it should commence at the time of its inception by Margaret Thatcher in 1979 as a means of avoiding giving MPs a pay rise, not nearly 20 years later at the start of Tony Blair's premiership.

Whilst the investigators are at it perhaps they would also have a proper enquiry into the very suspect dodgy Saudi Arabian arms deal that Margaret Thatcher instituted, and out of which her son, Mark, miraculously made millions. I’m sure Teresa Rumsey would not want to be seen to be biased or less than half fair.

D SMITH, Southampton.