Report from http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk
Aberavon MP Hywel Francis claimed back £1,234 or 12 first-class train journeys (an average of £102) and £386 for three standard fares.
FOUR South Wales MPs spent almost £14,000 of taxpayers' cash on first-class train travel last year, it has been revealed.
Shadow Welsh Secretary Peter Hain, Swansea East MP Sian James, Llanelli MP Nia Griffith and Aberavon MP Hywel Francis had a total of £13,646 reimbursed through expenses for first-class train tickets in the past 12 months. Llanelli MP Nia Griffith claimed back £5,374 for 28 first-class train journeys in 2010/11 (an average of £191). She claimed a further £1,209 for nine standard-class tickets, the figures show.
Shadow Welsh Secretary Peter Hain, Swansea East MP Sian James, Llanelli MP Nia Griffith and Aberavon MP Hywel Francis had a total of £13,646 reimbursed through expenses for first-class train tickets in the past 12 months. Llanelli MP Nia Griffith claimed back £5,374 for 28 first-class train journeys in 2010/11 (an average of £191). She claimed a further £1,209 for nine standard-class tickets, the figures show.
Neath MP Peter Hain claimed back £4,166 for 31 first-class train journeys (an average of £134) and just £5.15 for one standard fare.
Swansea East MP Sian James claimed back £2,871 for 15 first-class train tickets (an average of £191) and £254 for two standard fares.
Aberavon MP Hywel Francis claimed back £1,234 or 12 first-class train journeys (an average of £102) and £386 for three standard fares.
Across Wales, it has been claimed that MPs claimed more than £50,000 for first-class train tickets in 2010/11.
Emma Boon, campaign director at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers in Wales will be deeply disappointed by the news that MPs are shelling out on first-class travel so often. On some occasions, a first-class ticket may represent the best value for money, but MPs should be doing their bit to minimise costs and getting value for taxpayers' money.
"The fact that so luxurious travel is being used so often shows that some MPs still just don't get it."
Ms James has defended her claims for first-class fares.
Her spokesman said trains between London and Neath could be busy — even off-peak with a booked ticket — and Ms James prefers to do her parliamentary work in the same environment as other business people.
He said: "If you plan on doing several hours of work beforehand, you're not getting someone working at their best.
"We're talking about a three-hour journey and three hours of work you want to get done.
"Once you get to Parliament your time is pretty much set up.
"It's a conscious choice made by Sian and one she's happy to account for.
"She's pretty insistent she provides value for money.
"The idea is you go below whatever is the standard open class fare. That journey is £320 return, the first-class off-peak is £209."
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) allows claims up to a maximum price of an "anytime standard open" ticket for the journey.
Guidelines say Members of Parliament should have regard to the most cost-effective way to undertake a journey and encourages them to pick off-peak and advance options.
Commuters, who booked yesterday, could travel between Swansea and London Paddington today on an off peak return ticket costing just £83. Alternatively, a National Express coach open return journey between Swansea and London would set you back £46 but takes more than six hours each way.
Swansea East MP Sian James claimed back £2,871 for 15 first-class train tickets (an average of £191) and £254 for two standard fares.
Aberavon MP Hywel Francis claimed back £1,234 or 12 first-class train journeys (an average of £102) and £386 for three standard fares.
Across Wales, it has been claimed that MPs claimed more than £50,000 for first-class train tickets in 2010/11.
Emma Boon, campaign director at the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers in Wales will be deeply disappointed by the news that MPs are shelling out on first-class travel so often. On some occasions, a first-class ticket may represent the best value for money, but MPs should be doing their bit to minimise costs and getting value for taxpayers' money.
"The fact that so luxurious travel is being used so often shows that some MPs still just don't get it."
Ms James has defended her claims for first-class fares.
Her spokesman said trains between London and Neath could be busy — even off-peak with a booked ticket — and Ms James prefers to do her parliamentary work in the same environment as other business people.
He said: "If you plan on doing several hours of work beforehand, you're not getting someone working at their best.
"We're talking about a three-hour journey and three hours of work you want to get done.
"Once you get to Parliament your time is pretty much set up.
"It's a conscious choice made by Sian and one she's happy to account for.
"She's pretty insistent she provides value for money.
"The idea is you go below whatever is the standard open class fare. That journey is £320 return, the first-class off-peak is £209."
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) allows claims up to a maximum price of an "anytime standard open" ticket for the journey.
Guidelines say Members of Parliament should have regard to the most cost-effective way to undertake a journey and encourages them to pick off-peak and advance options.
Commuters, who booked yesterday, could travel between Swansea and London Paddington today on an off peak return ticket costing just £83. Alternatively, a National Express coach open return journey between Swansea and London would set you back £46 but takes more than six hours each way.
