SOUTH Dorset MP Richard Drax says he has added an estate in Barbados to the parliamentary register of members’ interests.

Mr Drax said he initiated the process, following a national newspaper’s probe into his finances, although there was no legal necessity to do so as the property was currently going through probate following the death of both his parents.

The new entry refers to Drax Hall only as a “business property” and suggests it is still in probate.

However, Mr Drax admitted there had been one error on the register relating to land in Yorkshire which had now been added. He said: “Following discussions with the registrar, which I initiated, I have updated my register entries to include the business property in Barbados, although that disclosure is not necessary until it has been legally transferred to me.

“In reviewing the entries I realised that an agricultural property in Yorkshire transferred from my mother to me after my father’s death had not been included on the register. My parents died in short succession and the administration of both estates is still ongoing. The process has been complicated which led to this accidental oversight.”