§ 30. Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to what extent civil servants have been engaged in any activities in connection with preparation of papers, documents and speeches at the European 171W Assembly; and what time and costs were expended on these activities by them.
§ Mr. John DaviesUnited Kingdom civil servants prepare factual background material for the British Members attending the European Parliament. If the hon. Gentleman's party takes its places in the European Parliament, this material will be equally available to his right hon. and hon. Friends. I cannot say how much it costs to prepare, but it is not a large administrative operation.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what was the cost to public funds of expenses in connection with the first meeting of the European Assembly held in 1973; and who attended.
§ Mr. John DaviesExpenses of Members in attending both plenary sessions and committee meetings of the European Parliament are paid direct to Members by the European Parliament itself. For the first meeting, general supporting expenses amounting to about £450 were met from public funds. Members designated by this Parliament attended.