In yesterday's Mercury in the articles about MPs' expenses we reported on Harborough MP Edward Garnier's expenses under the headline "I have to pay for my own food, says barrister" implying that he was complaining that he had to pay for his own food.

In fact, Mr Garnier did not say that at all.When we asked him why he had not claimed for food, he said that his rent took up the allowance and anyway he happily paid for his own food.

We also printed the wrong figure for rent.

We wish to correct any false impression we may have given about Mr Garnier and unreservedly apologise to him for the damage to his reputation and any embarrassment our article will have caused him.