– in the House of Commons at 1:06 pm on 23 March 2005.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to make a personal statement, the content of which has been agreed with you.
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The Committee has rejected that evidence and has invited me to make a fuller apology by way of a personal statement. I therefore offer my unreserved apology in respect of my conduct and accept the findings of the Committee in respect of this and my improper use of Commons stationery.
I also accept and unreservedly apologise for inadvertent but incorrect additional costs allowance claims. However it occurred, the responsibility is mine, and it has become apparent that I claimed for some items that I should not have, and did not claim for some items that were permissible. I will repay any discrepancy.
For all these mistakes, I apologise to you, Mr. Speaker, and to the House.