MP's Expense Claims . . . A Fable For Our Times

Three contractors are bidding to fix a broken wall at an MP's house.

One is from Luton, another is from Birmingham , and the third is from
Liverpool

All three go with the MP to examine the wall.

The Luton contractor takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then
works some figures with a pencil.

"Well," he says, "I figure the job will run to about £9000:
£4000 for materials,
£4000 for my crew and £1000 profit for me."

The Birmingham contractor also does some measuring and figuring, then says,

"I can do this job for £7000:

£3000 for materials,

£3000 for my crew and £1000 profit for me."

The Liverpool contractor doesn't measure or figure, but leans over to the MP
and whispers,"£17,000."

The MP, incredulous, says, "You didn't even measure like the other guys!

How did you come up with such a high figure?"

The Liverpool contractor whispers back, "£5000 for me,

£5000 for you,

and we hire the guy from Birmingham to fix the wall."

"Done!" replies the MP.

(and we all have been)