§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will give, for the latest and most convenient stated period of time, the composition of the various delegations to the Council of Europe, including delegates' substitutes and the cost of same, including expenses of delegates; what are the present rates of expenses; and whether these include hotel and travelling expenses on a fixed-fee basis or actual expenses incurred.
§ Mr. WhitelawI have been asked to reply.
Since 1964 the United Kingdom Delegation to the Consultative Assembly of the Council of Europe has consisted of 18 Members and 18 substitute Members. In the financial year 1969–70 the costs of attendance at Council of Europe meetings amounted to £15,100. The present rates of allowances are as follows—a global per diem subsistence allowance of Fr Frs 200 and a miscellaneous expenses allowance of Fr Frs 50 a day. These allowances cover all necessary expenditure by individual delegates. In addition, delegates may claim reimbursement of the cost of the appropriate rail or air fares.