THE four politicians representing Pembrokeshire in Cardiff and London cost the taxpayer more than half-a-million pounds each year.

On top of the £220,000 cost of two AMs, reported on page five, recent figures show the county's two MPs cost a combined £352,075.

Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Nick Ainger and Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Jackie Lawrence each pocket a basic salary of £57,485.

Mrs Lawrence was paid an additional costs allowance, covering the expense of staying in London, of £19,722 for the year up to March 2004, while Mr Ainger received £10,651.

Mrs Lawrence's three staff received salaries totalling £71,773, while Mr Ainger's staff were paid £68,023.

Mrs Lawrence claimed travel costs of £11,496 and Mr Ainger £11,757.

Mrs Lawrence said: "The main areas of expense are the cost of running an office, particularly if that office is in the constituency.

"Secondly, an MP is reimbursed for the costs of living in central London. Finally, there is the cost of travel backwards and forwards to London each week."

"No MP can claim anything that they have not already paid out and submitted receipts," she added.