Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what discussions the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has had with the Leader of the House on bringing a motion before the House to reduce the representative money paid to Sinn Fein; and if she will make a statement.

Under a resolution of the House, brought forward under the previous Labour Government in 2006, financial assistance is provided to opposition parties represented by Members who have chosen not to take their seats.

It is this Government's view that this issue is primarily a matter for the House itself to resolve.