§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis standard overnight subsistence allowances are calculated for civil servants travelling abroad.
§ Mr. MaplesOverseas subsistence allowances reflect the costs of accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner (including service charges and taxes) plus a small element to cover extra incidental expenses. Rates are based on the cost of reasonable quality and acceptable hotels in the particular locality and reflect discounts which are negotiated for visiting officials.
§ Mr. AshtonTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is the standard overnight subsistence allowance expressed in pounds sterling which is payable to a civil servant of(a) grade 5, (b) grade 3 and (c) grade 1 travelling on official business to (1) Berlin, (2) Bonn, (3) Brussels, (4) Lisbon, (5) Luxembourg, (6) Madrid, (7) Paris, (8) Rome and (9) Washington.
§ Mr. MaplesOverseas subsistence allowances are calculated in local currency and the sterling equivalent depends upon the exchange rate available at the time of an official's visit. The table gives the current rates for the grades in question, together with approximate sterling equivalents.
Local currency £ Berlin DM 249 (86) Bonn DM 209 (73) Brussels BFr 6,610 (111) Lisbon Esc 21,600 (87) Luxembourg BFr 7,080 (119) Madrid Pts 20,100 (1ll) Paris FFr 996 (102) Rome L 242,000 (112) Washington US$ 161 1(92) Washington US$ 185 2(105) 1 Grade 5. 2 Grades 1 and 3.