§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council what he estimates will be the costs for the year ending June, 1973, of the expenses of British delegates attending meetings of the North Atlantic Assembly, Western European Union and the Council of Europe.
§ Mr. R. CarrDetails of meetings for 1973 are not yet available, and therefore it is not possible to give an estimate of the costs for the year ending 30th June, 1973.
Provision for £57,000 was made in the Estimates of the House of Commons for 1972–73 to meet the expenses of Parliamentary delegations travelling abroad.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Lord President of the Council whether the 250 French francs per day paid to Members of Parliament when attending the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, its committee meetings and Western European Union is paid even if the expenses actually incurred are less than this amount; and whether it is tax free.
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§ Mr. R. CarrYes. Members entitled to attend meetings of the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Assembly of Western European Union and their committees receive subsistence and miscellaneous expenses allowances of 250 French francs per period of 24 hours spent at the place of meeting. For any balance of time less than 24 hours, Members receive 250 French francs for more than 12 hours; 125 French francs for between five and 12 hours; and nothing for periods less than five hours. At its present level, the allowance is not regarded as taxable.