§ Mr. Tony Banksasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will set out in the Official Report the expenses in respect of travel, subsistence, or any other matters which may be claimed by hon. Members when fulfilling their duties as delegates to (a) the Council of Europe, (b) the Western European Union, (c) the North Atlantic Assembly, (d) the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, and (e) the International Parliamentary Union, and when making official visits on behalf of the House.
§ Mr. BiffenHon. Members appointed as delegates ID the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, the Assembly of Western European Union, and the North Atlantic Assembly may claim the following expenses incurred in attending authorised meetings:
- (i) Travelling expenses
- (a) Air travel—the class allowed depends on the destination and the fare structure available;
- (b) Rail travel—first class with first-class sleeper where appropriate; and
- (c) Car travel—reimbursement of actual costs within the cost of the appropriate air fare;
- (ii) Subsistence, which at present is at the rate of 747 French francs per diem;
- (iii) Reasonable postage between London and the assemblies; and
- (iv) Certain specified free telephone facilities.
Since there is no Ministerial responsibility for the analogous arrangements made by the CPA and the IPU, I suggest that the hon. Member might approach those bodies direct. Hon. Members undertaking official visits on behalf of the House to make presentations to Commonwealth legislatures are reimbursed the costs of first class air travel and any other expenses necessarily incurred.