MPs say queen should cut expenses

LONDON, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- British legislators are reluctant to increase the Civil List, the money used to pay living expenses for Queen Elizabeth II, her family and staff.

Two Labor members of the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee suggested the queen should live more frugally, The Independent reported.

"At a time when so many of her subjects are facing financial hardship, and when public servants are being restricted in their pay awards, it's absurd for one of the wealthiest women in the world to ask for additional taxpayers' money," said Ian Davidson, who represents a Glasgow district.

Austin Mitchell, who represents Grimsby in northeast England, suggested royal expenses should be audited like other government departments.

The Civil List now comes to 7.9 million pounds a year, or almost $16 million.

Robert Hazell, a professor at University College London, suggested that anger at the royal family for its perceived extravagance is misplaced since the government holds the purse strings.

"It is true that, through Parliament, we get the monarchy we voted for," he said.