§ Mr. Marlowasked the Lord Privy Seal what proposals have been made by United Kingdom Members of the European Assembly for improvements in salaries and allowances; what procedures must be carried out before any such increases are paid; and what is the policy of Her Majesty's Government on this matter.
§ Sir Ian GilmourThe salaries of Members of the European Parliament are paid by national Governments, and British Members of the European Parliament receive the same salary as hon. Members. The allowances of MEPS are determined by the European Parliament in accordance with its own budgetary procedures, and details of remuneration were given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in his reply of 2 July to the hon. Member for Newham, North-West (Mr. Lewis).—[Vol. 7, c. 438.] There have been suggestions that all MEPS should be paid a common salary, but Her Majesty's Government see no reason to depart from the present system.
§ Mr. Torneyasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will take steps to prevent the payment of substantial salary increases to British Members of the European Parliament.
§ Sir Ian GilmourIn accordance with an agreement made in 1978, salaries of Members of the European Parliament are paid by national Governments at national rates. The salaries of British MEPs are the same as those of hon. Members, and details were given by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in his reply of 2 July to the hon. Member for Newham, North West (Mr. Lewis).—[Vol. 7, c. 438.]