Members of the press and public have been ejected from a discussion on whether the public should stump up cash for a National Park member’s legal costs.

The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority held an extraordinary meeting today (Wednesday) to consider a monitoring officer’s report on a claim for indemnity of legal costs and expenses.

The Western Telegraph understands the issue involves Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse’s application for reimbursement of legal fees, incurred after he was cleared of breaking the Authority’s code of conduct by the Adjudication Panel for Wales in 2007.

The potential payout from the public purse for the legal fees could reach tens of thousands of pounds, and the Authority’s indemnity insurance does not cover retrospective applications.

The monitoring officer recommended the issue was heard in private, stating the member was entitled to confidentiality at this stage, otherwise members could lose confidence in the indemnity system, and become reluctant to offer themselves for public office.

But Cllr Tony Brinsden proposed the discussion should held in public.

He said: “The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is financed by the public purse, I believe therefore this entire process should be held in the public domain.

“It is only right and proper that any debate is open and transparent.

“I my opinion this should be held in open session.”

Cllr Mike Williams added: “The spotlight is on public scrutiny. It is all very well to say the minutes would be public, but it would not show how members arrived at that decision.

“I feel very uncomfortable about this, I really do. In these times it really should be taken in public.”

Christine Gwyther said: “I have struggled with this issue meeting after meeting. If money is awarded to this individual, I would be comfortable discussing it in private if the full minutes of each meeting we have had on this issue are made public.”

She added: “The worst possible outcome would be half the story.”

Cllr Rob Lewis said: “I think we have little choice here but to exclude the public.”

Members were told if it was decided to use taxpayers’ money to reimburse the member, the “public interest test” would be revisited, to assess whether details of the decision should be released.

Cllr Richard Howells said: “In the event of a financial award being made all the documents would be in the public domain.”

Members voted 11 to two to discuss the issue in private.

Cllr John Allen-Mirehouse did not attend the meeting.