MPs expenses dominated a political hustings which saw a noisy debate among parliamentary candidates.

The issue of current MP Eleanor Laing's expenses provoked a strong reaction from a packed house at the United Reformed Church, in Palmerston Road, Buckhurst Hill, which heard from six of the candidates hoping to be Epping Forest's next MP.

Mrs Laing attracted criticism last year when it was discovered she had avoided a £180,000 capital gains tax bill by telling the tax office her secondary home in London was her primary residence.

Asked by a member of the audience whether people should pay capital gains tax Mrs Laing replied: “Capital gains tax always has to be paid. I don't understand the question.”

When another member of the audience asked if what she had done was “within the spirit of the rules” Mrs Laing said: “I see what you mean. I guess these questions are directed at me. It's based on reports in the papers entirely, and somewhat grubbily. The fact is it depends on how newspapers write their copy. They are clever.

“I personally have never done anything I thought was morally wrong. I happened to find myself in the position where, a long time ago, one of my properties was my second home. I just didn't change it.

“I have a home in Theydon Bois. One day I will sell that and at that point capital gains will be paid on it. I did the best I could as a divorced working mother of a small child looking after business in parliament and my constituents here.”

When one woman interrupted Mrs Laing by telling her her explanation was “boring” the clearly emotional MP replied: “You are asking me very personal questions. Some people might consider that impertinent. It's boring when people ask me the details of my personal life, but if I didn't answer you'd complain.”

Liberal Democrat candidate Ann Haigh said if elected she wouldn't take a second home adding: “I don't believe MPs need to make a profit from expenses.”

UKIP candidate Andrew Smith said: “If I was elected as your MP I would continue living in Epping. I'll make now claim for expenses.”

In a varied debate, candidates were asked a number of questions on topical issues.

Rory Worthington asked how candidates would reduce the Government debt.

Green Party candidate Simon Pepper said he would concentrate on job creation and building manufacturing up as well as cutting defence spending including Trident.

Mrs Haigh said she would scrap ID cards and look for a complete review of defence spending.

Mrs Laing said would cut public expenditure and reduce the number of MPs by ten per cent.

English Democrats chairman Robin Tilbrook said he would cut cross-border subsidies with Scotland, withdraw from the EU and cut quangos Mr Smith said he would withdraw form the EU which he claimed cost the country £100billion.

BNP candidate Pat Richardson said she would withdraw form the EU and cut back on quangos.

The candidates were also asked for their opinions on climate change.

Mrs Richardson said she thought global warming was a “scam”.

Mr Smith said he was not entirely convinced there was global warming but UKIP's policy was to encourage greater production of nuclear power plants.

Mr Tilbrook said the biggest problem would be convincing China not to increase its pollution.

Mrs Laing said international agreement was needed adding: “We are not the masters of this planet we are caretakers of it.”

Mrs Haigh said carbon levels needed to be brought down adding: “We want a world for our children our grandchildren and our great grandchildren.”

Mr Pepper attacked the Conservative and Lib Dem records on pollution.

The hustings were organised by the Buckhurst Hill Residents Society and chaired by its chairman Tony Oliva.

Speaking afterwards he said: “I think it went well. We covered a wide range of subjects. Hopefully we helped people who are going to make a decision, and we hope they enjoyed the debate.”