Taxpayers face a £94,000 bill to cover cost of MSPs' laptops

MSPs are being handed out new laptops at a cost to taxpayers of up to £94,000.

The computers – which replace ones issued five years ago – are intended to allow politicians to do parliamentary work when they are away from Holyrood.

But today two senior Lothians MSPs urged their colleagues not to take one unless they really needed it. MSPs are already entitled to computers in their Holyrood offices and their constituency offices, as well as hand-held Blackberry devices. Independent Lothians MSP Margo MacDonald said: "I imagine some MSPs will get good use out of their laptops. But I would say to my colleagues, examine whether or not you really need any new piece of equipment.

"I think some of them tend to collect shiny things.

"My office is relatively sparse in terms of electronic equipment, but I don't feel we are depriving ourselves of anything."

The new laptops are being issued on request, but the old machines issued to MSPs in 2002-03 are being "retired" and support for them is being withdrawn.

The parliament says the new ones are better aligned with the software used at Holyrood and will also offer wireless networking and broadband.

So far 89 of the 129 MSPs have asked for one, costing the parliament £68,000.

But a total of £94,000 has been budgeted for the "laptop refresh" programme so all 129 MSPs can have one if they want it.

The cost works out at around £750 per machine.

Edinburgh South Liberal Democrat Mike Pringle said: "My message would be, if you don't need one don't ask for one and it won't cost any money.

"If you are travelling long distances a laptop means you can get on with your work during the journey.

"But I would say you should only ask for one if you have a really good reason for having one."

And he said he would not be requesting one of the computers.

"I certainly won't be asking for one. I have a computer in my office at the parliament and a computer in my constituency office. I don't need to have a laptop.

"MSPs should exercise caution and seriously consider whether they do need a laptop rather than having one for the sake of having one."

A Scottish Parliament spokeswoman said the £94,000 cost also covered additional software, including Microsoft Office, remote monitoring and control software and connectivity software.

She said: "Laptops form an important part of enabling MSPs to effectively undertake their duties as parliamentarians.

"The parliament aims to maximise value for money by refreshing laptops approximately every new session – every four years. This compares favourably to the accepted industry standard refresh cycle of every two to three years."