I NOTE with interest your report on the controversy over the expenses of Vic Emery, the chairman of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) ("Chairman in pledge over crash funerals", The Herald, February 2).
Understandably Mr Emery in his capacity as SPA chairman claimed expenses consequent on attending funerals of police personnel arising from the Clutha helicopter tragedy.
It was right and proper as senior representative of a public body directly related to Police Scotland he should be present and equally so be entitled to any reasonable outlays in attendance. The question of similar reimbursement to other SPA board members is another matter. It may be the deceased persons were known personally, in which case the issue of expenses would be inappropriate and not arise.
It transpires Mr Emery has decided to donate the expenses sum received to the Clutha Trust. Such action is commendable but Mr Emery should not feel embarrassed or pressurised into reimbursing an entitlement arising from a public service duty.
Allan C Steele,
22 Forres Avenue, Giffnock.
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