HC Deb 05 May 1975 vol 891 cc345-7W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what remuneration and allowance in respect of expenses will be paid to members now elected to the Convention.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

In accordance with the provisions of the Northern Ireland Act 1974 each Convention Member will receive remuneration at the rate of £2,500 a year in respect of the period beginning with the rate on which he first attends the Convention or a committee thereof and ending with the dissolution of the Convention or such later date—not more than six months after the dissolution—as the Secretary of State may determine.

Allowances will be paid similarly in respect of expenses incurred by the Member in travelling between his residence in Northern Ireland and a meeting of the Convention or its Committee at the rate of 7.7p per mile if the journey is undertaken by road. The actual cost of travel by rail may be reimbursed at the first class rate. Members may also claim payments for secretarial assistance in connection with their Convention duties within a maximum of £80 per month.

I understand that Clerk to the Convention is writing to all Members individually about remuneration and allowances and also about facilities for telephones, postage and reproduction, which will be available to Members in connection with Convention business.