Parliamentary Standards Bill

My Lords, this is a technical amendment. Under the European Parliament (Pay and Pensions) Act 1979, there is a power for the Leader of the House of Commons to make an order aligning MEPs’ resettlement grants with MPs’ resettlement grants. At the moment, the power can be exercised only to align MEPs’ grants with resettlement grants set by resolution of the House of Commons. In future, however, resettlement grants will be set as part of the allowance scheme that is drawn up by IPSA. It is a key part of the scheme for improving the independence and transparency of the allowances scheme that it should not be subject to approval by resolution of the House. Without this amendment, therefore, there would be no means in future of aligning MEPs’ resettlement arrangements with those for MPs. I should add for clarification that, from 14 July 2009, the 1979 Act applies only to those who were MEPs before that date and who opt out of the new system for payment of MEPs by the European Parliament. I beg to move. Amendment 7 agreed.