HC Deb 23 December 1981 vol 15 c435W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether, in his forthcoming spring Budget, he will take action which would have the effect of limiting the amounts of moneys paid by public companies into political funds and organisations and to ensure that such contributions must come from income where the companies concerned have paid tax on such donations.

Mr. Ridley

Expenditure by companies is tax deductible only where it is incurred wholly and exclusively for business purposes. The treatment of any individual item depends on the facts of the case, but contributions to political parties with wide policy aims would not normally qualify.