---

Political Parties and Elections Bill

We have had a fascinating debate and I am grateful to all noble Lords who have spoken. The contribution of the noble Viscount, Lord Tenby, was very welcome, speaking from the Cross Benches and coming from a family, as he confessed, that was political to the nth degree. Indeed, he showed that in his contribution and understanding. There is probably a broad consensus around expenditure—that it should not be allowed to run riot. We will have to see later today how that works out in practice. Today, we are talking about the link and the different subject of donations to political parties. I am grateful for the view he expressed, which is probably held by a number of voters. I take the point about the Conservative Party attempting to modernise itself as regards expenditure. I particularly pay tribute to the noble Lord, Lord Marland, as the noble Lord, Lord Bates, has done. However, I still want to know from him about one of the exceptions to the £50,000 rule, apparently the winner of an auction for something worth £70,000. I am intrigued to know what someone found it necessary to pay £70,000 for; no-one else has asked, so I am afraid that I do.