HC Deb 30 July 1976 vol 916 cc441-2W
Mr. Canavan

asked the Lord President of the Council whether, in view of the decision by the hon. Members for Paisley (Mr. Robertson) and South Ayshire (Mr. Sillars) to refuse the Labour Party Whip, the Scottish Labour Party will now qualify for official aid to Opposition parties; and, if so, what will be the cost to the taxpayer.

Mr. Foot

Under the terms of paragraph 3 of the Resolution of the House of 20th March 1975 the conditions of qualification for financial assistance are that a party must have at least two Members elected to the House as members of that party at the preceding General Election or that the party should have one such Member and have received at least 150,000 votes at that election. The hon. Members referred to therefore fulfill neither qualification.

Mr. Whitehead

asked the Lord President of the Council when he intends to publish the report of the committee on financial aid to political parties.

Mr. Foot

I would refer my hon. Friend to my answer to the hon. Member for Louth (Mr. Brotherton) on 28th July.