§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the current allowance payable to hon. Members successful in the ballot for private Members' Bills to assist with drafting costs; when the allowance was last increased; what is the current value of the allowance expressed in prices prevailing at the date it was last increased; and if he has any plans to increase it.
§ Mr. BiffenPursuant to a resolution of the House of 29 November 1971, hon. Members who have secured one of the first 10 places in the ballot are entitled to claim not more than £200 towards the cost of drafting assistance for their Bill. This allowance has not been increased since it was introduced. The current value of the allowance expressed in prices prevailing at the date of its introduction is £43.35.