§ Mr. Martenasked the Lord President of the Council what has been the total cost in the first three months of 1973 of the British delegation to the European Assembly.
§ Mr. PriorExpenses of Members attending both plenary sessions and committee meetings of the European Parliament are paid direct by the European Parliament itself. The cost to public funds of general supporting expenses amounted to approximately £3,398 over the period in question.
§ Mr. Martenasked the Lord President of the Council why the Committees of the European Assembly are meeting in Rome between 21st and 24th May; what 198W extra cost is involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PriorI understand that it has become customary for a week of committee meetings to be held in Italy each year because Italian members have the longest journey to reach the other places of meeting. The costs involved are a matter for the European Parliament.