Robert Halfon, the Conservative MP for Harlow, has criticised a recent decision to introduce an admission charge of £15 per person attending a tour of London's Big Ben Clock Tower.

The House of Commons Commission said tours of the landmark tower, which still require an MP to sponsor visitors, should be self-funding as part of the Savings Programme.

Speaking in Parliament on 27 February, Halfon urged speaker John Bercow to "look again" at the decision after raising concerns over the potential £60 cost of a family of four.

Halfon said: "Are there not other ways of saving money, such as not publishing Hansard and other publications on a daily basis and publishing them on-line?"

Bercow replied: "Clock Tower tours are special tours, allowing access to an area of the Palace [of Westminster], which realistically, cannot be open to all."

Details: roberthalfon.blogspot.com