Speaker non-committal after MP sends unsolicited birthday cards

The Speaker’s Office is insisting that the use of the MPs’ free postal allowance is at their discretion, even after he was confronted about a case of unsolicited birthday cards.
Questions on this perk enjoyed by all Members of Parliament were raised by a Times of Malta reader who received unsolicited mail in the form of a birthday card signed by Labour MP Silvio Schembri. The correspondence was delivered in an official envelope bearing the emblem of the House of Representatives.
The recipient, who preferred to remain anonymous, took umbrage at the fact that her personal details were used without consent and questioned if the MPs’ postal allowance was being misused.
Asked for his reaction, the Speaker’s Office, through the Clerk of the House, Ray Scicluna, confirmed that MPs were entitled to 100 franked envelopes per week as a form of financial support to fulfil their mandate to communicate with constituents.

Moreover, Mr Scicluna told this newspaper that discussions were being held on the possibility of giving MPs the option to “upgrade” their current €30 monthly internet allowance by using part of the postage grant. The option was being considered since an increasing number of...