It is about time those who clearly have no knowledge of an MP’s work stopped cluttering up your columns (The Argus, November 30).

MPs are far too loaded with work to idle about sitting on the benches, although the House is broadcast on TV screens in every office.

When I have visited MPs on behalf of the disabled I found their schedule so tight that frequently they can only give you a precise ten minutes, although they may have spent a couple of hours reading documents. Often, staff will usher somebody else out and you in. You will be seen out on the dot, so valuable and tightly scheduled is their time.

They also have to answer dozens of letters and emails a day. Although their staff (paid collectively less than one senior council officer) draft replies, only they can decide the final response. This cannot be delegated In introducing second homes in 1983 Mrs Thatcher may have recalled a colleague long before who resigned Parliament because of the break- up of his marriage.

A fellow member of my own sports club, not only did his long hours away mean that he was only at home when his children were asleep but at weekends the children found their parents were on endless constituency duties.

His spouse was unpaid, but was expected to work anyway. After divorce, he became a bonus-earning banker.

I am astonished at the burdens MPs bear.

Derek Cole, Anglesea Terrace, St Leonards