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Kent MP quizzes PM on budget deficit

By political editor Paul Francis

Cut flowers and golf balls proved an unusual subject for one of the first questions faced by David Cameron during the first PMQs since the election.

The Prime Minister was tackled on the deficit left by the former government by a Kent Conservative backbencher.

Gravesham Conservative MP Adam Holloway was among backbenchers called to quiz the Prime Minister.

His question was not exactly one that could be described as hostile. The MP invited Mr Cameron to comment on the large deficit facing the government and pressed him on whether he was surprised that there was "no money left", a reference to a letter left by Labour chief secretary to the treasury Liam Byrne to his successor.

Mr Holloway said: "Now that we know that the government spent £1bn on advertising and £14,000 on golf balls, is the Prime Minister surprised that there is no money left?"

In his reply, Mr Cameron said: "We are not really surprised because of the letter left by the former chief secretary. Mr Honourable Friend makes a good point. We have since discovered an extra £320m spent on hotels; £1.8bn on consultants and one government department spending £140 per person on cut flowers and pot plants."

During PMQ’s, Mr Cameron also said the publication of details of the earnings of public officials would help keep remuneration levels down.

"It is good for democracy and accountability to see how much people are earning. The pressure will keep top levels down."

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