MPs were to vote on whether to give themselves a £1,200 a year increase on their annual salary of £30,854.
The Government was asking them to accept a pay freeze in view of the recession outside.
But despite the huge row that blew up after MPs voted themselves a huge increase in expenses and allowances, this key decision split them across party lines.
Previous news story
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article