Dear Sir or Madam,

Who sets the policy and interpretation of the Green Book?

Yours faithfully,

John Walker

Dear Mr Walker,

Thank you for your email dated and received 18 May 2009.

Accordingly, we will respond by 16 June 2009.

Mandy Kelly
Freedom of Information Assistant

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Dear Mr Walker,

Thank you for your request, which is shown below.

The following pargaraph, which is taken from the current Green Book
linked below, is provided in answer to your question:

"A series of resolutions approved by the House over many years set out
the purpose of each allowance and contain criteria for judging the
appropriateness of a claim. The Members Estimate Committee, having been
advised by the Committee on Members' Allowances, has the power to modify
the provisions of the resolutions in the interests of clarity,
consistency, accountability and the effective administration and
conformity with current circumstances. However, the Committee may not
create a new charge or increase any rate of charge or payment. The
Committee on Members' Allowances has the continuing duty of keeping the
Green Book under review."

http://www.parliament.uk/documents/uploa...

You may, if dissatisfied with the treatment of your request, ask the
House of Commons to conduct an internal review of this decision.
Requests for internal review should be addressed to: Freedom of
Information Officer, Department of Resources, House of Commons London
SW1 OAA or [House of Commons request email]. Please ensure that you specify the
nature of your complaint and any arguments or points that you wish to
make.

If you remain dissatisfied, you may appeal to the Information
Commissioner at Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire SK9 5AF.

Bob Castle
Head of Information Rights and Information Security
House of Commmons

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