The Scottish Conservatives have called for Michael Matheson to hand over his iPad to parliamentary authorities so that its record of use can be independently verified.
The SNP health secretary racked up a “staggering” £11,000 of data roaming charges during his holiday in Morocco – claiming that this was all due to parliamentary and constituency business.
Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy has written to Michael Matheson, requesting clarification on the following questions:
- Can you confirm that you are still in possession of the iPad in question and what steps are being taken to ensure its security and that of the data stored within?
- Can you publish all correspondence with the Scottish Parliament on the expensing of the roaming charges and regarding the need to upgrade the iPad’s sim card?
- Can you outline what steps you have taken throughout this situation to protect public money and keep costs low in line with the value for money requirements set out in the official expenses policy?
- Will you make a statement to the Scottish Parliament this week on this matter and take questions?
Craig Hoy says that Matheson’s failure to answer these questions will prove that he “has something to hide”.
Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy MSP said: “When Michael Matheson was belatedly shamed into repaying the staggering sum that he had the audacity to expect the taxpayer to foot, he told us that his integrity matters.
“Therefore, he must immediately hand over his iPad so that parliament authorities can verify his claim that he only incurred roaming charges related to parliamentary business during his Moroccan holiday.
“Mr Matheson has many serious unanswered questions to address, which is why I have written to him requesting that he make a statement at Holyrood this week so that we can get to the bottom of this scandal.
“A failure to answer these questions will further add to the public’s suspicion that Michael Matheson has something to hide over this scandal.”