LABOUR MPs John Grogan and Lawrie Quinn outshine their local Tory and Liberal Democrat rivals in new "league tables" comparing which parliamentarians turn up for the most votes.
Scarborough and Whitby's Mr Quinn took part in 86 per cent of divisions at the House of Commons in the parliamentary year that ended in November. Selby's Mr Grogan recorded 80 per cent.
That beat both Vale of York Tory Anne McIntosh (73 per cent) and Ryedale Tory Mr Greenway (55 per cent). Harrogate Liberal Democrat Phil Willis scored 72 per cent.
York Labour MP Hugh Bayley, whose role on the international development committee and membership of the NATO summit takes him away from Westminster, took part in 58 per cent of divisions. Mr Greenway's job as shadow minister for sport and tourism also involves overseas travel.
When it came to quizzing ministers Ms McIntosh, a Shadow Transport
Minister, was streets ahead. She asked 625 questions. She also took part in more debates than the other local MPs - 42.
Ms McIntosh said: "I will continue to raise the profile of issues affecting my Vale of York constituents at every available opportunity, especially though Parliamentary Questions. Although my duties as a Shadow Transport Minister mean that I cannot spend as much time in the chamber as before, I have tried hard to keep up my attendance in order to raise my constituents' concerns directly in the House."
Mr Willis, his party's education spokesman, asked 316 questions and took part in 35 debates. Mr Greenway asked 147 questions and spoke in 22 debates. Mr Bayley asked 85 questions and spoke in the chamber 30 times. Mr Grogan asked 59 questions and took part in 15 debates. Mr Quinn, a ministerial aide in the Trade department, asked 80 questions and spoke in 15 debates. Meanwhile, 12 MPs voted on fewer than ten per cent of occasions. They included Prime Minister Tony Blair with six per cent. Foreign Secretary Jack Straw scored ten per cent and Chancellor Gordon Brown 12 per cent.
Updated: 11:06 Monday, April 28, 2003
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