is this sentence correct - using past tense

[Unregistered]

Hello

I am writing a memo to someone regarding travelling expenses - he just got back from his trip. Is the following sentence OK?

"Your travel charges seem excessive. Please advise me what the travelling charges were"

thank you.

 

[kfredson]

Hello

I am writing a memo to someone regarding travelling expenses - he just got back from his trip. Is the following sentence OK?

"Your travel charges seem excessive. Please advise me what the travelling charges were"

thank you.

The sentence is OK, but it does sound as if you are simply restating your initial question. It would probably be clearer to say something like,
"Please advise me what the travelling charges actually were."
This sounds somewhat combative, however. It might be better to say something like,
"Please give me a detailed description of the exact nature of the charges."