To ask the hon. Member for Roxburgh and Berwickshire, representing the House of Commons Commission which officers of the House of Commons are allowed to travel by air (a) first class and (b) business class at public expense when on official duties. [102895]

The rules for air travel by officials on the business of the House are set out in the Staff Handbook which is available on the parliamentary intranet. Business class or first class travel is not normally allowed for flights within the UK. For flights outside the UK, officials are required to seek best value for money, including making use of discounted fares where possible. When travelling with Members, however, officials are normally allowed to book seats of the same class as the Members they are accompanying.