§ Mr. KempTo ask the President of the Council how much Short money was awarded to Her Majesty's Opposition for the current financial year; and what steps are taken to ensure it is used for the purposes laid down by Parliament. [70356]
§ Mrs. BeckettUnder the formula set out in the resolution of 4 November 1993, the Official Opposition in the House of Commons are due to receive £1,112,885 in Short money in the current financial year; Cranborne money in the House of Lords amounts to £106,191 for the Official Opposition in 1998–99.
Claims are made by the parties to the Accounting Officers of each House with both a certificate that the expenses have been incurred exclusively in relation to the party's parliamentary business and a report by an independent professional auditor.