AN MP has defended his decision to use his Parliamentary staffing allowance to employ his wife and son.

House of Commons records showed Old Bexley and Sidcup MP Derek Conway paid his son Fred £981 a month for his work as a Parliamentary assistant.

His son is currently a student and about to graduate from Newcastle University with a geography degree.

Mr Conway's wife, Colette, is one of his Parliamentary assistants who deals with correspondence and press releases and is paid £3,271 a month.

The Sunday Times also reported last summer Fred held his 21st birthday party on the House of Commons Terrace overlooking the River Thames.

Mr Conway told News Shopper: "There is no suggestion any of the rules of the House have been breached."

He added: "Fred just did part-time holiday work.

"There is no great secret about any of this."

Mr Conway says the Sunday paper had made great play of Fred's 21st birthday party.

He added: "The inference being this is all free and paid for by the taxpayer.

"Many MPs and peers hold receptions for family weddings, christenings and 21st birthdays on the terrace, but have to pay the commercial rate for catering, drinks and staff."

Mr Conway says it may have made a better story to imply it was all free but added: "This is simply not the case."

He also defended employing his wife as one of his assistants.

Mr Conway said: "She was a senior personal assistant before coming to me."

And he says his wife is more than qualified to do the job.

He added: "She is listed in the registration books and is paid on the House of Commons scale."

Mr Conway claimed £132,500 in allowances in 2005/6, in addition to his Parliamentary salary of more than £60,000.

Erith and Thamesmead MP John Austin claimed £128,500 and Bexleyheath and Crayford MP David Evennett £79,600.

MPs' allowances pay for their travel, running their Parliamentary office and staffing costs.