AS a young mother who has to travel to work by bus at my own expense I was absolutely shocked by the amount that our Members of Parliament receive in travel allowances, amongst other expenses (October 22).

What stunned me even further was that our own MP John Grogan receives a massive £25,917 to be driven around and get first class rail journeys to and from London.

Looking at some of our neighbouring MPs, such as Anne McIntosh MP who spent £13,535 on travel in an even more rural area, the Vale of York, I'd like to know how Mr Grogan justifies such massive claims - which amount to more than that claimed by the MP for Orkney and Shetland.

Karen Jones,

Highfield Villas,

Sherburn-in-Elmet.

Updated: 11:12 Thursday, October 28, 2004