By Nick Assinder BBC News Online political correspondent

But the new register of MPs' interests gives a fascinating insight into the lifestyles of the nation's elected representatives.

And the details of the freebies and other incomes received by the men who lead the country's biggest political parties serves only to reinforce their existing stereotypes.

Howard was a guest of Saga

Opposition leader Michael Howard - regularly attacked by Labour for being an old Tory retread - registers the fact that he and his wife, Sandra, took a short cruise from Southampton to Casablanca courtesy of Saga.

Liberal Democrat leader, "chat show" Charlie Kennedy - who has a reputation for enjoying the celeb lifestyle - declares he and his wife Sarah were given free tickets for the Brit awards and to the Royal Opera House.

And, for the second year running, Prime Minister Tony Blair declared possible income from "two flats in Bristol" - another reminder of the Cheriegate affair which rocked him and his wife a couple of years ago.

He also confirmed his family holiday last August had included 20 nights at Sir Cliff Richard's villa in Barbados, for which he "made a charitable donation to a charity" chosen by the singer.

Most freebies

For Westminster watchers, the register of members' interests is one of the most eagerly awaited publications of the year - even though it is now updated regularly and constantly available on the internet.

Hague makes a good living outside parliament

Some backbench jokers have even suggested there should be annual awards for "the most freebies taken" or "the greatest non-parliamentary income received".

This year, those titles have been handed to Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt and former Tory leader William Hague respectively.

Ms Hewitt attracted the title from some newspapers after declaring a host of free tickets to events including the FA Cup Final - for her son and two friends - the film Matrix Reloaded - for her son and daughter - the Wimbledon Ladies Tennis Finals and the British Grand Prix.

Mr Hague topped the list of earners with a �500,000 income from outside "jobs" including a Sunday newspaper column, a book advance and advice to various firms such as JCB.

Quit cabinet

His successor, the recently-ousted Iain Duncan Smith has so far failed to amass the same sort of income outside parliament, listing only income from his novel "The Devil's Tune" under the heading of remunerated employment, office, profession etc.

Hewitt received many free tickets

Former Foreign Secretary Robin Cook did slightly better on the publications front, declaring a total of �450,000 from his book detailing why he quit the cabinet in protest at the war on Iraq.

Former Tory leadership contender Michael Portillo also did rather well, declaring between �80,000 and �350,000 from TV appearances, speeches, and other incomes.

Then, of course, there is the large number of MPs who can only add one single word to their entry - "nil".

You don't know whether to feel proud of them or sorry for them.