HC Deb 15 March 1976 vol 907 c368W
Mr. Brotherton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when deposits for candidates standing at parliamentary elections were last increased;

(2) by how much the value of candidates' deposits at parliamentary elections has declined since the last increase;

(3) if he will seek to increase the deposits that parliamentary candidates must make at elections.

Dr. Summerskill

There has been no increase in the amount of the deposit since 1918, since when its value has declined to the equivalent of about £23 at the prices then prevailing. This would seem a suitable matter for consideration by a reconvened Speaker's Conference.