Plan to slash MP numbers approved Total in House and Senate to drop from 945 to 762

(ANSA) - Rome, April 12 - The parties supporting the Italian government on Thursday approved a plan to slash the number of MPs in response to criticism that it is much higher than in other countries.Under the plan, which has to be approved by parliament, the number of members of the House will drop from 630 to 508 and the number of Senators from 315 to 254.The total in both houses will therefore fall from 945 to 762.Italian parties are under pressure from public opinion to cut their spending after a series of exposes on salaries and perks.