At least 50 per cent of MEPs will get a publicly funded second pension when they retire.

In the British case, where it is 80 per cent of MEPs, the leaders of all the political parties, Labour, Conservative, Liberal Democrat and Ukip are represented.

Fair enough, they are entitled to it and they must be worth it.

Hat tip to Open Europe for publishing the list (which is not exhaustive) – click here.

The European Ombudsman has repeatedly ruled that the names of the MEPs who benefit from the scheme should be published.

In April 2007, MEPs voted to keep secret the list of names of those who are benefitting from the fund.

Just to remind you how this scheme works.

Two thirds of this extra pension is paid for in supplementary payments by the taxpayer.

MEPs pay £1052(1,194 euros) a month into the scheme. That cash is added to with a publicly funded payment of £2104 (2388 euros).

But and it is a big BUT, at present the MEP’s contribution is automatically deducted from his or her office expenses – although, at last, this is about to change.

There are no checks to ensure that it is paid back.

But I am sure that all MEPs play by the rules.

No one would want wish to imply that any of our representatives to the European Parliament play fast and loose with any allowances or benefits.

MEPs, on reaching retirement age and leaving the parliament, can expect an extra pension benefit, on top the same national scheme for Westminster MPs, worth an annual £14,736 for every five year term of office.

An MEP, like the former Conservative Den Dover, who benefits from the perk can net a combined pension of around £35,000 after just 10 years in office.