§ 67. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Lord President of the Council what representations he has received about the amount paid in assistance to Opposition parties.
§ Mr. WakehamSince 21 June 1988, when the House approved the existing arrangements for payment of financial assistance to Opposition parties, I have corresponded with a right hon. Member and an hon. Member from the party opposite on two separate matters and answered two parliamentary questions.
§ 69. Mr. CarringtonTo ask the Lord President of the Council by what percentage assistance to Opposition parties increased in the last year for which figures are available; and to what amount.
§ Mr. WakehamIn accordance with the Resolution of the House of 21 June 1988, the amount of Short money 407W paid to Opposition parties in 1988 was £1,203,322.97p, which includes arrears of £319,000 due in 1987. The amount paid in 1987, in accordance with the previous Resolution, was £597,741.27p. This represents a percentage increase of 101.3 per cent. between the calendar years 1987 and 1988. However, because of the change in basis of calculation of Short money, this comparison is of limited value.
§ 71. Mr. DevlinTo ask the Lord President of the Council by how much assistance to Opposition parties increased in the last year for which figures are available.
§ Mr. WakehamI refer my hon. Friend to my answer earlier today to the hon. Member for Fulham (Mr. Carrington). The amount paid increased by £605,581.70.