This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-11279525
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Development company review after expenses reports | Development company review after expenses reports |
(about 11 hours later) | |
International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has ordered a review of the work of the Commonwealth Development Corporation after reports of lavish expenses claims. | International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell has ordered a review of the work of the Commonwealth Development Corporation after reports of lavish expenses claims. |
A government spokesman said Mr Mitchell thought the claims were "unacceptable". | A government spokesman said Mr Mitchell thought the claims were "unacceptable". |
It came after the Daily Mail claimed it had seen large restaurant, hotel and taxi bills from CDC officials, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. | It came after the Daily Mail claimed it had seen large restaurant, hotel and taxi bills from CDC officials, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act. |
A spokesman for the CDC said the report included many mistakes. | A spokesman for the CDC said the report included many mistakes. |
The CDC, which is owned but not run by the Department for International Development, helps provide finance to businesses in some of the poorest parts of the world. | The CDC, which is owned but not run by the Department for International Development, helps provide finance to businesses in some of the poorest parts of the world. |
Ash cloud | Ash cloud |
The >Mail claims executives have run up big bills at some of London's finest restaurants and hotels, including a £700 dinner for CDC non-executive directors at the Michelin-starred L'Autre Pied restaurant. | |
But a CDC spokesman said the story contained mistakes and a £300 claim for a taxi from Brussels to Paris was made because flights were halted by the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. | But a CDC spokesman said the story contained mistakes and a £300 claim for a taxi from Brussels to Paris was made because flights were halted by the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. |
He added that the CDC's policy was to ensure all expenses were reasonable. | He added that the CDC's policy was to ensure all expenses were reasonable. |
Confirming the review, a government spokesman said: "Lavish expenses are completely unacceptable. The Secretary of State has set up a review of all aspects of CDC's work, including pay and remuneration." | Confirming the review, a government spokesman said: "Lavish expenses are completely unacceptable. The Secretary of State has set up a review of all aspects of CDC's work, including pay and remuneration." |
Last year the Public Accounts committee criticised the ineffective oversight of the company after reports that the salary of its chief executive Richard Laing had risen to £970,000. He has since taken a pay cut and waived bonuses. | Last year the Public Accounts committee criticised the ineffective oversight of the company after reports that the salary of its chief executive Richard Laing had risen to £970,000. He has since taken a pay cut and waived bonuses. |
The BBC's political correspondent Carole Walker said the story would be embarrassment to the international development secretary, who has had his budget spared from cuts. |
Previous version
1
Next version