§ Lord Jenkin of Rodingasked the Chairman of Committees:
20WAWhat steps were taken, and when, to inform the House of the new maximum rates of allowance, applicable from 1 August, payable under the Peers' Reimbursement Allowance Scheme. [HL1465]
§ The Chairman of Committees (Lord Tordoff)Revised claim forms which set out the new daily limits were made available when the House resumed on 15 October. At the same time, a newGeneral Guide to the Peers' Reimbursement Allowance Scheme was issued (as recommended by the Senior Salaries Review Body); this too refers to the revised daily limits. The limits were also reported to the Finance and Staff Sub-Committee at its meeting on 30 October.
§ Lord Jenkinof Roding asked the Chairman of Committees:
Whether Peers who have claimed reimbursement in respect of the sittings of the House in September and October 2001, up to the maximum rates pertaining up to the end of July, will be entitled to claim additional sums in respect of those sittings up to the new maximum rates applicable since 1 August. [HL1466]
§ The Chairman of CommitteesYes. Members of the House will be able to claim any additional expenses incurred up to the revised limits which took effect on 1 August.
§ Lord Jenkin of Rodingasked the Chairman of Committees:
Whether he will in future arrange for increases in the maximum allowances payable under the Peers' Reimbursement Allowance Scheme to be notified to Peers at the earliest opportunity after the new rates have been decided by the relevant House authorities. [HL1467]
§ The Chairman of CommitteesYes. In future, I will take steps to inform the House of the new rates on the next sitting day after the rates have been notified to the House authorities.