Minchin 'surprised' by criticism of possible Parliament recall ....

Federal Finance Minister Nick Minchin has dismissed claims that it would be a waste for Parliament to sit next week.

The Labor Party is using today's three-year anniversary of the last election to again call on Prime Minister John Howard to set a date for this year's poll.

If Mr Howard calls the election before next Monday, Parliament will not return until after the poll.

Mr Minchin says people usually demand that Parliament should sit when it is scheduled to do so.

"I'm surprised at the criticism, at the suggestion that Parliament might be recalled," he said.

"Yes, democracy does have a dollar figure attached to it, but normally we find that people want Parliament to sit so that the Government can be subject to Parliamentary scrutiny.”

Minchin 'Surprised' By Criticism Of Possible Parliament Recall