§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will give, for the longest and most convenient stated period of time, the number and names of Members of Parliament who have visited Northern Ireland where any Government expenditure has been involved, the times and dates of such visits, the purpose and 493W costs and expenses involved in each instance; and from what Vote these expenses were met.
§ Mr. Peter MillsI have some information about visits to Northern Ireland between 1st April and 2nd November by 22 Members who had contacted the Northern Ireland Office. Members of Parliament visiting Northern Ireland have not had their expenses, whether for travel or accommodation, paid from public funds, save on a few occasions where transport by air and by car has been provided without extra cost for spare places available within Government block bookings. Exceptionally, hired cars have been provided for security reasons on a few occasions when official cars have not been available. Members visiting Northern Ireland have been accorded the courtesy of limited entertainment—a meal or drinks—on a few occasions when meeting organisations connected with the Government, such as the Northern Ireland Commission. The costs incurred in these ways are very small, and to obtain all the details requested would involve a disproportionate expenditure of public funds.