SUSAN KRAMER MP PUBLISHES RESPONSES TO 38 DEGREES SURVEY OF MPS' SUMMER PLANS

2.38.09pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 6th Aug 2009

Susan Kramer MP has published her responses to the 38 Degrees questionnaire about the summer plans of Members of Parliament.

"I will be spending the majority of the summer recess out and about in the constituency, whether it be working on casework for local people or supporting local organisations and charities. Please do come over and say hello if you see me out and about" said Susan.

• How much time will you be spending in the following locations during the summer recess?

Constituency - 8 weeks

Westminster - 2 weeks

Elsewhere - 2 weeks

• Where else will you be spending time over the recess?

The two weeks away will be holiday, taken in a series of short four day breaks, some of it simply time at home.

• How many days work will you be devoting to the following areas during the summer recess?

Constituency casework16-20 days

Research and fact-finding 1-5 days

Constituency visits and surgeries 16-20 days

Local party business and electioneering 11-15 days

National party business 0 days

Other Westminster business 1-5 days

• Do you have other paid work?

No

• Will you be doing any voluntary work during the summer?

No.

• Where are you going on holiday?

I'm going to Paris and to visit my daughter and grandson in New York (four days each trip). I may take an additional four day break but I

don't know where yet. Two weeks altogether.

• Have you got any planned holiday reading or listening you'd recommend to your constituents?

I'm taking away Flora Fraser's new biography of Pauline Bonaparte, a book called Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantle, a history of Africa and a

detective fiction novel.

• What are your views on the Parliamentary summer recess?

I'm concerned that for a long period over the summer we have no way to make Government accountable, and to scrutinise properly.

I'm particularly troubled since at the moment we have a war in Afghanistan, a problem economy and a swine flu epidemic. However, it is a valuable time to spend in the constituency and a good opportunity to look in depth at issues which we've only been able to touch on during the parliamentary year.

Some time off is just necessary to recharge the batteries.

• If someone comes to visit your constituency this summer, what do you recommend they see and do?

I am lucky to represent one of the most beautiful constituencies. Let me recommend Richmond Park, Kew Gardens, the Barnes Wetlands Centre,

Canbury Gardens and walks along the Thames. There is outstanding shopping, not only in the town centres but in each of our communities which have very unique local boutiques. The food is brilliant and for those who love theatre what more could you ask than the Orange Tree, Richmond Theatre and the new Rose in Kingston (which is just outside my constituency). In September please do come to the Great River Race on the Thames which this year will finish in Ham.