Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, what his policy is on hon. Members of the Sinn Fein Party formally taking their seat in the House.

The Government's view is that all Members elected to Westminster should take their seats.

However, whether or not elected members choose to participate fully in the business of the House of Commons once elected is a decision for MPs themselves.

While the Government is of the view that their constituents would be more fully represented if Sinn Féin MPs participated in all aspects of business at Westminster, it is a matter for the electorate if they choose to vote for candidates who have expressed an alternative view.