The article, "Do MPs and grassroots volunteers pay for parking?" (June 3), creates an impression that MPs get free parking at Parliament House.

Elected MPs who drive pay for an annual permit that allows them to park in Housing Board carparks, in order to do their constituency work.

This payment, which Parliament deducts from the MPs' allowances, is deemed to cover the occasions when they park at Parliament House to fulfil their duties.

Political office holders, like civil servants, also pay for parking at their ministries and agencies.

This payment generally covers the occasions when they visit other ministries and agencies on official business; and if they have to pay for public or commercial carparks in the vicinity, they are reimbursed.

Applying the same principle, teachers now pay to park at their primary places of duty.

But no one is suggesting they pay again when they visit other schools to attend meetings.

Grace Fu (Ms)

Leader of the House