The House Committee agreed at its meeting on 18 July 2006 to establish a scheme for the provision of free foreign language training for Members. Details of the scheme appear in the new edition of the Members’ Guide to Expenses published today.

The scheme is similar to that provided by the House of Commons. Members may recover the cost of attending foreign language classes provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The language course consists of an initial registration followed by 10 consultations. Members seeking reimbursement must obtain prior approval from the Clerk of the Parliaments and indicate how the course would help the Member in the performance of their parliamentary duties. Members will be required to confirm that all classes have been attended before reimbursement will be made.