HC Deb 22 October 1979 vol 972 cc11-2W
Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster to whom cheques in respect of public funds to the official Opposition are made payable.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

To whomsoever the Leader of the Opposition designates to receive the cheque.

Mr. Michael Brown

asked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what are the terms and conditions regarding the payments of public funds to the official Opposition.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

In accordance with the resolution of the House of 20 March 1975, as amended by the resolution of the House of 13 February 1978, the formula for determining the annual maxima of financial assistance to any Opposition party in the House of Commons to assist that party in carrying out its parliamentary business is as follows£550 for each seat won by the party concerned plus £1.10 for every 200 votes cast for it at the preceding general election provided that the maximum payable to any party shall not exceed £165,000.

The former resolution also provides (a) that it shall be a condition of qualification for such assistance that a party must either have at least two Members elected to the House as members of that party at the preceding general election or that it has one such member and received at least 150,000 votes at that election; (b) that any party wishing to claim such assistance shall make to the Accounting Officer of the House a statement of the facts on which this claim is based; (c) that the cost of this provision shall be borne on the House of Commons Vote; and (d) that parties making claims shall be required to certify to the Accounting Officer of the House that the expenses in respect of which assistance is claimed have been incurred exclusively in relation to that party's parliamentary business.