HC Deb 19 February 1968 vol 759 cc10-1W
Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what funds are made available annually for the North Atlantic Assembly; and if this sum will be increased, reduced, or remain the same during 1968–69.

Mr. Mulley:

Subject to their approval of the budget of the North Atlantic Assembly, Her Majesty's Government undertake to pay 19.5 per cent. of the Assembly's expenses. The funds made available therefore vary according to those expenses. The Assembly's total budget for 1968 is the same as for 1967.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will ensure that the present delegation to the North Atlantic Assembly is maintained with the present personnel for at least the next two years to allow for some degree of continuity.

Mr. Mulley:

The North Atlantic Assembly is an unofficial body and the British delegation is appointed by Mr. Speaker and the Lord Chancellor after consultation through the usual channels. Her Majesty's Government have no responsibility in this matter, either in the choice of the delegation or the length of time hon. Members serve on it.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he is satisfied that the daily allowance given to the members of the British delegation to the North Atlantic Assembly is adequate in comparison with allowances other nations give to their delegates to the Assembly; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mulley:

When the provision of free hotel accommodation and transport is taken into account, there is no reason to think that the daily allowance of the British delegation compares unfavourably with other delegations or that it is not adequate. The allowances for our delegation to the North Atlantic Assembly are on the same basis as other delegations to Brussels, for example to Committees of the Council of Europe and the Assembly of Western European Union.

Mr. Lomas

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs what facilities Her Majesty's Government gives to the North Atlantic Assembly and its various committees.

Mr. Mulley:

Her Majesty's Government support the North Atlantic Assembly by paying on the Foreign Office vote 19.5 per cent. of its approved expenses and the travel and accommodation expenses of the British delegation attending regular meetings of the Assembly and Committees.