BOLTON North East MP David Crausby says he has no problem with declaring he employs his wife.

Senior ministers Jacqui Smith, Hilary Benn and Caroline Flint all declared their spouses on the Commons register of interests this week.

But although Mr Crausby employs his wife, Enid, as a full-time secretary, he did not declare anything on the register.

MPs had been under pressure to make declarations from party leaders since Tory MP Derek Conway was suspended from the Commons for 10 days for overpaying his son out of his allowances.

The registration is voluntary until after August 1, when it becomes a requirement.

Mr Crausby said yesterday: "I still employ Enid and I am going to sign the declaration.

"Legally I don't have to do it until August but I am aware other people have already filled it in.

"I intend to do it next week."

He refused to reveal how much he pays his wife for her role.

However, Mr Crausby has welcomed the stricter guidelines on employing family members.

He said: "I think the register is a very good thing.

"The problems have been not those who are open and above board but those who effectively pay family when there is no evidence that they have done any work for the MP."