To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer on what basis standard overnight subsistence allowances are calculated for civil servants travelling abroad.

Overseas 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.

To 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.

Overseas 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.