Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will take steps to remove the payment of allowances to hon. Members representing Sinn Fein in the context of those Members not taking their seats.

The Government has previously set out its position that all Members of Parliament should play a full part in the business of the House of Commons.

However, the level of expenses received by Members of this House is a matter for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and not for the Government.