Written question asked by Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Bach (Labour) on Monday, 12 January 2009.

Political Parties: Donations

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Bach on 26 November (WA 304), how many donations were given to political parties in each of the past three years (a) above £9,999, (b) between £5,000 and £9,999, and, (c) between £2,000 and £4,999.

Answer: The Government do not collect information on the number of political donations. The Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000 requires registered political parties to submit quarterly donation reports to the Electoral Commission, listing all donations received during the previous quarter above the reporting thresholds. These are £5,000 in the case of a central party and £1,000 in the case of one of its accounting units. Information on the number and level of donations received by political parties is publicly available via the commission's website. The commission does not hold information on donations received below the reporting thresholds identified above. Donations received above these thresholds are grouped in bands according to their value. The first such band groups all reportable donations below £25,000. I have asked the commission to write to the noble Lord providing further data on donations in the form in which they are held. The commission will place a copy of their letter in the libraries of both Houses.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 333; 706 c119-20WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Deposited Paper DEP2008-3174
Friday, 19 December 2008
Deposited papers
House of Lords; Electoral Register: Internet
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Finance Political parties
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk