§ Mr. MacdonaldTo ask the Lord President of the Council what is the current level of financial support provided via Short money to the Opposition parties.
§ Mr. MacGregorFollowing the resolution of the House on 21 June 1988, payments are made at a scale of £2,550 for every seat won by each party at the preceding general election, plus £5.10 for every 200 votes cast for its candidates. To qualify for such assistance, a party is required either to have won at least two seats at the general election or, if only one seat has been won, to have received at least 150,000 votes.