§ 2.38 p.m.
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER or HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.
§ [The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government if they can make a statement about refunding expenses incurred by Peers when travelling by road between home and the Palace of Westminster on Parliamentary duties.]
§ THE MINISTER WITHOUT PORTFOLIO (THE EARL OF DUNDEE)My Lords, it is proposed to make it possible to claim petrol expenses of journeys by road between home and the Palace of Westminster on Parliamentary duties. It is hoped that the scheme will come into operation when the House resumes after the Whitsun Recess. The appropriate Resolution will be laid before the House very shortly.
VISCOUNT ALEXANDER OF HILLS-BOROUGHMy Lords, I take it that 479 this follows upon the inquiry which has been going on with regard to a similar position concerning Members of another place. Would it be convenient for Her Majesty's Government, before the Recess, to have some conversations through the usual channels to see exactly what details are proposed?
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEYes, my Lords, I am sure that that could be done. I hope that the Resolution will be laid before your Lordships' House before we adjourn.
LORD REAMy Lords, I am informed that communications are already taking place through the usual channels.
§ THE EARL OF DUNDEEMy Lords, I had thought that possibly that was happening.