§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long after the general elections of 1983 or 1979 the return of candidates' expenses was published; when he intends to publish the 1987 return; whether its preparation is now complete with all returns in; by whom the analysis is being done; and how many of those returns so far received are over the maximum.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe returns of candidates' expenses following the general elections of 3 May 1979 and 9 June 1983 were published on 11 February 1980 and 12 December 1983 respectively. As on those occasions, the 1987 returns are being compiled by the statistical department of the Home Office. The information is not yet complete but my right hon. Friend hopes that the publication will be available by next February. Details of any candidates whose expenditure is over the permitted maximum will not be published until investigations are complete.