§ Lord Joplingasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, following the recent decision of the House of Common to authorise three visits a year by Members of the House to either European Union countries or applicant countries to the European Union, they will make similar provisions in the House of Lords and therefore enable peers who are members of all-party bilateral groups to participate in such visits organised by those groups. [HL4376]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The House of Commons Resolution of 9 May allows Members of that House to be reimbursed for the costs of travelling on parliamentary duties between the United Kingdom and any European Union institution in Brussels, Luxembourg or Strasbourg and to the national parliament of an EU state or a candidate country. It therefore does not extend to more general travel to any part of an EU country or candidate country which the noble Lord may have in mind.
Any similar allowance for Members of the House of Lords would need to be implemented by a Resolution of the House. Any such Resolution would normally only be moved following a recommendation from the Senior Salaries Review Body. The SSRB has not hitherto considered this matter in relation to the House of Lords; and I will take steps to consult the chairman about it.