---

Political Parties and Elections Bill

It seems that there are congratulations all round, not only going back 20 years but also to the noble Lord, Lord Henley, on having the perspicacity, if that is the right word, to suggest what should be in this amendment. We do not think that a requirement to consult the Electoral Commission is necessary, as the Secretary of State’s discretion is limited to changes to reflect changes in the value of money. We think that it would be excessive to introduce a formal consultation requirement, and we are gratified that the commission itself seems to be of the same mind in that it does not consider it necessary to put such a requirement into the legislation. I imagine that in practice part of the Secretary of State’s review will involve taking into account the views of the commission regarding the likely impact of any potential change to thresholds. Amendment 112 agreed. Amendment 113 not moved. Clause 13, as amended, agreed.