THE region's busiest MPs are revealed today by The Northern Echo.

Our survey has uncovered which of our politicians attended the most debates in the House of Commons, those who have taken part in the most votes and those who have submitted most questions.

Among the most active were Anne McIntosh, MP for the Vale of York, Kevan Jones, MP for North Durham, and Ashok Kumar, MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

Miss McIntosh took part in 76 per cent of votes, submitted 345 written questions, and took part in 73 debates.

Mr Kumar was also very busy, taking part in 81 per cent of votes, submitting 387 written questions, and taking part in 49 debates.

This came after he was named the region's most expensive MP in annual tables that show the amount of expenses claimed by politicians.

Mr Kumar claimed £161,049. This compares to Anne McIntosh, who was region's least costly MP, excluding Tony Blair. Miss McIntosh claimed £104,139.

Last night, Miss McIntosh said: "I take my work very seriously and the issues raised by my constituents in their correspondence and at surgeries; and I like to act on the issues.

"It's a great privilege to represent my constituents."

According to the table, the least busy MPs were Darlington MP Alan Milburn, Skipton and Ripon MP David Curry and Frank Cook, MP for Stockton North.

Mr Milburn has only taken part in three debates and 59 per cent of votes in parliament in the past year. He has only asked three questions.

The former Health Secretary claimed the second-highest MPs expenses in the region last year. He claimed £148,907.

Last night, Mr Milburn could not be contacted for a comment as he is on holiday in America.

His spokeswoman declined to comment on his behalf.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the North-East MP with the lowest voting record is Prime Minster and Sedgefield representative Tony Blair.

However, he has contributed to 36 debates, more than eight other of the region's MPs.

A number of the region's parliamentary representatives have made higher than average contribution in the House of Commons.

Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman, who was elected to her seat for the first time at the last election, has taken part in 92 per cent of the votes, 46 debates and asked 61 questions.

Mrs Goodman said: "It's my job as MP to represent the interests and views of the constituents and that's what I try to do.

"Parliament is the heart of democracy and we need to make it work effectively."