Oral Answers to Questions

Glyn Davies Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd March 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Swire]

My hon. Friend raises a good point. It is worth pointing out that 75,000 fewer people—business men and tourists—went to the island of Ireland every week last summer. It is important that we keep up the amount of people who come here. I think that his question might be better directed to Ministers after the Budget, which will follow in a few minutes, but I am sure that his comments will have been heard.

[Glyn Davies (Montgomeryshire) (Con)]

4. What recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the registration of donations to political parties active in Northern Ireland.

[Graham Evans (Weaver Vale) (Con)]

10. What recent discussions he has had with ministerial colleagues on the registration of donations to political parties active in Northern Ireland.

--- Later in debate ---

[Mr Speaker]

Order. I understand that the House is eagerly awaiting subsequent business, but there are far too many noisy private conversations taking place, which is very discourteous to the people of Northern Ireland.

[Glyn Davies]

While discussing donations to political parties in Northern Ireland in the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee, the Minister made reference to “details of the recipient”, “the amount received” and when donations were made. Those were the reference points, so can the Minister tell us what progress has been made?

[Mr Swire]

Indeed, I can. I remain firmly of that view. We are not in the position that we would like, but I am advised that there are serious doubts about whether the issues that I mentioned can be addressed under existing legislation, which is very tightly drafted. I hope to make provision to bring more transparency to existing arrangements when a suitable legislative vehicle can be found.