If you were wondering how MPs are filling their time now that they have less to write on their expenses look no further than Labour member Ashok Kumar. He has tabled a motion that employers should be legally compelled to contact all applicants both to acknowledge receipt of application and again after selection has been made to notify applicants whether they have been successful. This may be good practice, and good manners, but think of all the red tape and opportunities for litigation that would follow. But why stop there? Why not impose a legal obligation on all teenagers to write prompt letters of thanks for Christmas and birthday presents? Not only would that breed a more polite society but might help fill the hole in Royal Mail’s business left by all those disgruntled customers who, thanks to the strikes, now pay all their bills online.
