§ Mr. Proctorasked the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what was the percentage increase in financial aid to opposition parties made in February 1978; and what is the percentage increase contained in his recent proposals.
§ Mr. St. John-StevasThe percentage increase in financial aid to opposition parties approved by resolution of the House of 13 February 1978 was 10 per cent. The present proposals would provide generally for an increase of 75 per cent., with an increase of 75¾ per cent.
Maximum sums payable 1979 January-June 1980 Full year under Governments proposals Conservative Party … … … … … 55,585.00 Nil Nil Labour Party … … … … … … 139,698.00 82,500.00 290,000.00 Liberal Party … … … … … … 29,457.08 14,887.95 52,107.83 Scottish National Party … … … … … 5,402.92 1,936.55 6,777.93 Plaid Cymru … … … … … … 1,893.53 914.10 3,199.35 Ulster Unionist Party … … … … … 2,750.97 2,074.60 7,261.10 Ulster Democratic Union st Party … … … 1,352.15 1,019.70 3,568.95 Social Democratic and Labour Party … … … 371.25 Nil Nil United Ulster Unionist Coalistion … … … 2,057.40 Nil Nil The sums available for 1979 are the aggregate amounts calculated under the terms of the resolution of the House of 13 February 1978, as applied to the outcome of the 1974 and 1979 General Elections.