---

Political Parties and Elections Bill

We have already discussed this. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman speak to some lawyers—[Laughter]—unless he is a lawyer. If he is, he should know better. As I read it, the provision clearly states that there are only two forms of spending: a national form of spending that is covered by the national limits, and any form of spending that could be defined as a candidate expense, which is covered by the local limit. If the letters that have been referred to—I have seen some in my constituency—are not included in candidates' expenses when candidate spending limits are re-imposed, they will automatically be set against the national limit. There are only two kinds of spending, and every instance of spending must be of one kind or the other. That, in effect, closes the loophole.