Paul Rowen MP amazed at Labour claims

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Jun 2007

Having read on Rochdale Online Simon Danczuk's accusations of double standards over his stance on the Government's Concessionary Bus Fares Bill and disabled parking in Rochdale, Paul Rowen MP has offered a rapid response and said he was astounded at claims of hypocrisy by the local Labour Party candidate.

Mr. Rowen said: "I tried to make some helpful suggestions on the Government's Concessionary Bus Fares Bill. I had some concerns about aspects of the Bill, particularly for local residents who use community bus facilities and still have to pay, but I tried to be fair and recognise the positive aspects too.

"I'll be working in Parliament this week to make the bill more friendly for disabled people; there's nothing there for blind people, companions and the mentally ill. I'm sure the Labour candidate will support my attempts to improve the Bill.

"To be then accused of hypocrisy by Labour was laughable. The truth is that Labour themselves introduced parking charges for the disabled. Labour were also in power for many years in Rochdale and never once did they try and scrap disabled parking charges. The issues are completely separate and it just shows how desperate the Labour candidate is. Only someone who fails to understand Rochdale and the issues could make such a laughable accusation. I'll continue to fight for Rochdale and leave this kind of politics to Labour."