Written question asked by Lord Maude of Horsham (Conservative) on Friday, 20 February 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 24 February 2009. It was answered by Chris Bryant (Labour) on Friday, 27 February 2009 on behalf of the Leader of the House of Commons.

Members: Allowances

Question: To ask the Leader of the House pursuant to the Answer to the hon. Member for Chichester of 12 January 2009, Official Report, column 1W, on Members: allowances, what criteria govern the assessment of the merits of a request for an advance on a hon. Member's communications allowance.

Answer: Subject to the administrative rules set out in my answer of 12 January 2009, Official Report, column 1W, the requester would need to demonstrate that the advance was for a specific purpose which enabled him or her to carry out a parliamentary duty and that it was a proper use of public money in support of his or her role. There must be no suggestion that the use of the allowance would be for party political advantage or electioneering.To date no advance from the communications allowance for 2009-10 has been requested this year nor were any advances made last year.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 488 c1102-3W; 258667
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Members: Allowances
Monday, 12 January 2009
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Allowances Members
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk