HC Deb 25 October 1999 vol 336 cc706-7W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the President of the Council if she will introduce a scheme for hon. Members to visit the Scottish Parliament, Welsh Assembly and Northern Ireland Assembly, in links with visits to the European Parliament; and if she will make a statement. [93924]

Mrs. Beckett

All hon. Members are already able to claim reimbursement for expenditure incurred visiting any part of the United Kingdom on parliamentary business under the extended travel scheme. It is the Government's stated hope that there will be links created at all levels between Members at Westminster and the devolved legislatures. However, access to the premises of the devolved legislatures is a matter for the bodies concerned.