MP Owen Paterson's 71,398 words lead the Shropshire pack

Independent analysis of the number of times MPs have spoken shows a big gulf between Mr Paterson and the rest of our representatives, with him taking in part in almost twice as many debates and speaking over twice as many words.

Of course the figures on their own do not necessarily say which MP is the hardest working – and Mr Paterson was in cabinet as Environment Secretary until the reshuffle last month.

They only reveal the number of times an MP spoke from the green benches on the floor of the House of Commons, rather than what they have done in their local committees.

And the figures also do not disclose work done by the MPs in answering constituents' letters and emails or asking questions of ministers.

Mr Paterson said on the matter: "It is of course important to refer to and get the point of views of the constituency across over in Parliament.

"It is an important part of the job.

"Being in cabinet, I would of course have taken part in more debates than some others."

Phillip Dunne, MP for Ludlow, has the lowest word count at 7,586 and speaking in 11 debates.

However, for much of his time since the election he was a Government whip which meant he had to keep his comments to himself.

He actually spoke far more than another Midlands whip, Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant, who uttered 4,283 words.

Glyn Davies MP, Conservative in Montgomeryshire, has spoken in 154 debates and has said 30,092 words.

The Tory has been very vocal when talking about one of the big burning issues in Montgomeryshire, which has been the potential arrival of pylons and windfarms to the region as well as all matters related to Wales.

He said: "I enjoy the House of Commons and I enjoy public speaking and I try and talk when I can.

"I have spoken over the years on a number of issues including health, the windfarms and generally on Welsh issues."

Mr Davies added: "If I think a local issue needs discussing then I try and instigate a debate.

"The way I see it is I am the only person paid to talk for the constituency and talk I will."

Mark Pritchard MP, who represents The Wrekin constituency, spoke a total of 19,402 words and has taken part in 153 debates altogether.

He said today: "A good MP should be speaking out on local, national and international issues.

"I hope that my parliamentary record shows that I get that right.

"It is always a challenge but the first priority will always be representing my constituency's views.

Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham, spoke 12,576 words and took part in 61 debates.

Meanwhile, David Wright, MP for Telford, spoke 11,187 words and took part in 63 debates.

And South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson has spoken 17,945 words in the main Commons chamber.

But veteran Staffordshire MP Sir Bill Cash, who lives in Bridgnorth, is streets ahead of his colleagues in Shropshire, Mid Wales and Staffordshire, speaking a whopping 176,093 words in 1,037 appearances.

Sir Bill, an ardent Eurosceptic Conservative, added: "I take an active interest in what's affecting my constituents and the national interest.

"I speak on matters ranging from Stafford Hospital to windfarms and planning issues. These are matters that have to be raised and I just get on with the job."