Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Wednesday, 14 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 22 March 2001. It was answered by Baroness Beckett (Labour) on Thursday, 22 March 2001 on behalf of the Leader of the House of Commons.

President of the Council;Leader of the House of Commons

Question: To ask the President of the Council, what the percentage change has been in the money supplied to the Leader of the Opposition's office in each year since 1997. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Sheerman: To ask the President of the Council what the percentage change has been in the money supplied to the Leader of the Opposition's office in each year since 1997. [154400] Mrs. Beckett: The Leader of the Opposition's Office allowance started only in 1999, initially at a level of £500,000 per annum; this increases annually by the RPI percentage rate as at 31 March. The April 2000 increase was 2.6 per cent., which increased the payment to £513,000.

Secondary information