'MPs' meal deals must be stopped'.Byline: JASON Jason, in Greek mythology Jason, in Greek mythology, son of Aeson. When Pelias usurped the throne of Iolcus and killed (or imprisoned) Aeson and most of his descendants, Jason was smuggled off to the centaur Chiron, who reared him secretly on Mt. Pelion. BEATTIE ANTI-poverty campaigners yesterday called for MPs to be stripped of their cut-price food and drinks. The demand came after a report found heavily subsidised prices for 646 MPs in Commons restaurants and bars cost taxpayers pounds 3.8million a year. Charity chiefs say cash would be better spent helping poor children. Liz Thorne of End Child Poverty said MPs ought to be buying high-street sandwiches like everyone else. She added in Fabian Review magazine: "Perks perk 1 v. perked, perk·ing, perks v.intr. 1. To stick up or jut out: dogs' ears that perk. 2. To carry oneself in a lively and jaunty manner. such as these must surely be first to go. MPs would do well to support abolition of food subsidies." Commons officials say employers often subsidise Verb 1. subsidise - secure the assistance of by granting a subsidy, as of nations or military forces subsidize pay - give money, usually in exchange for goods or services; "I paid four dollars for this sandwich"; "Pay the waitress, please" 2. workplace canteens. There are four million children living in poverty - defined as brought up in households with incomes of less than pounds 13,500 a year. CAPTION(S): SUBSIDISED Parliament |
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