WATFORD MP Claire Ward has defended her trip to the World Cup with the parliamentary football team, after concerns about who was footing the bill.

Miss Ward dismissed suggestions it was a perk funded by the taxpayer. She said: "It was fun but it wasn't a jolly. The trip was to raise money for a good cause."

Corporate bank Nomura paid £30,000 in sponsorship to the team as funding for the trip.

Money raised by its matches will be given to Truce International, a charity which aims to provide football facilities for children in war torn countries.

The MP could not say how much had been raised by the World Cup visit as it was part of a year long venture. The proceeds would become clear at a later date, she said.

Labour MPs came under fire for travelling to the tournament amid allegations it was a parliamentary jaunt.

Although members of other political parties play on the team, none made the trip.

Miss Ward said: "None of the others wanted to come. We were very disappointed because we knew it would become an issue. We were desperate for cross party involvement."

While in Japan Miss Ward saw England's historic victory over Argentina. "The atmosphere was amazing," she said.

A keen Watford FC supporter, she wore her Hornets shirt and met other fans of the club while at the stadium.

The MP also saw England's game against Sweden. In both cases she paid for tickets and sat with the other fans.

The parliamentary team, in which Miss Ward plays as a midfielder, was undefeated in its three games, including a 2-1 win over the Japanese Parliament.

June 12, 2002 15:30