The British House of Lords has announced a probe into expenses claimed by NRI industrialist Lord Swraj Paul, after he requested for an inquiry into allegations that he wrongly claimed parliamentary allowances, a charge he vehemently denies.
Taking on his critics, mostly from the media, the 78-year-old Labour peer requested the House for a probe into the allegations that he claimed 38,000 pounds between 2004 and 2006 for staying in a flat at Oxfordshire, which is part of a hotel owned by him.
He has maintained that he did not sleep in the flat but was entitled for 174 pounds per night allowance because that was his residence during the period. He also pointed out that he did not claim any allowance in 2004.
The NRI industrialist took the initiative to have the charge cleared by making the request for a probe which will be conducted by clerk of the House, who is equivalent to the Secretary General of the Lok Sabha.
Pending the inquiry, Swraj Paul will not function as Deputy Speaker of the House at his own request.
{{/usCountry}}Pending the inquiry, Swraj Paul will not function as Deputy Speaker of the House at his own request.
{{/usCountry}}A spokesman of the House of Lords said: "Following media allegations on October 11 and 12 regarding Lord Paul's claims for overnight subsistence allowance, the House of Lords authorities are to conduct an investigation into the allegations, after a request from Lord Paul to do so".