THURS AM: Dewsbury MP Malik couldn't produce receipts for expenses enquiry

Jun 11 2009 By Andrew Jackson

"It is unfortunate, particularly given his public position, that, in respect of that house, Mr Malik did not think of obtaining at the outset a rental agreement specifying in writing the rent to be paid," Sir Philip said.

"He then entered into an arrangement to pay part of the rent in cash, for which payments (name of the property company) did not give him any receipt.

"I understand the point Mr Malik makes about the influence on him of religious and cultural norms in the Muslim community relating to payments made in cash, but the absence of a rental agreement and of receipts meant that he was left without a clear audit trail to show the payments he had made."

Sir Philip said that Mr Malik had told him that following original disclosures in The Daily Telegraph’s allegations, he had asked for a rental agreement to be drawn up and was "actively considering" paying all of his rent in future by direct debit.

"I hope that, in both his own best interest and the wider interest, he will institute arrangements in this respect immediately," Sir Philip said.