Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what allowance is paid to Ministry of Defence officials based in offices outside London when they are required to stay overnight in London in connection with their work.

Civil servants employed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) can claim for the additional expense incurred through economy class travel, overnight accommodation booked through the Defence Travel Hotel Booking Service and the cost of subsistence when undertaking business travel (also known as 'duty travel' or 'detached duty'). This may be for a meeting, conference, approved training course, or other business requirement, at a location different to an employee's usual place of work.

In addition to the necessary expenses incurred through travel, accommodation and subsistence, MOD civil servants who travel and stay overnight can claim an Incidental Expenses Allowance of £3 per night in the UK for additional, specific miscellaneous costs such as laundry charges.

In accordance with the Civil Service Management Code, staff should not profit from official duties, nor be out of pocket. The MOD has clear policies and guidance on what may be claimed, and on audit requirements for individual travellers, line managers and business areas.