SNP MP for Glasgow East John Mason today expressed his shock that unelected Scottish Lords had cost the tax payer over £2 million in expenses.

Labour Peer Lord Foulkes, also elected as an MSP, has the highest expenses per visit claiming the equivalent of £305/day - a total of £54,000 for 94 days work.  In contrast Lord Kirkhope claimed £53,000 for 143 days work.

The most expensive overall is Lord Maxton, former MP for Cathcart who has received £63,504 for 141 days.

Mr Mason said: "This exposes the scam that is the House of Lords.

"At a time when the public are concerned with how their elected politicians spend taxpayers money they will be astonished to see the £2 million bill for unelected members of the House of Lords.

"At least the public have the opportunity to cast their judgement at the ballot box on MPs, but they have no say over these unelected and unwanted Lords and Ladies.

"In amongst a few respected figures with moderate claims we have a convicted fire-raiser and another under investigation in the cash for access inquiry.

"The House of Lords is an out of date, antiquated institution and now we know it’s an expensive one as well.  As people vote in the European elections next week there is an opportunity to vote not only for a strong SNP voice in europe but to send a message to Westminster that this cannot continue.

"The SNP does not take seats in the House of Lords and while some peers do good work, these figures suggest it is simply another way for former politicians to top up their incomes.

"This waste of Westminster resources on unelected Lords reinforces the case for an independent Scottish Parliament – modern, democratic, and with the gold standard of allowances systems."