Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, what recent discussions he has had with other parties represented in the House of Commons on the payment of allowances to hon. Members representing Sinn Fein; and if he will make a statement.

None. Short money is not available to parties whose Members have not taken the Oath.

However, under a resolution of the House of 8 February 2006, financial assistance is provided to opposition parties represented by Members who have chosen not to take their seats. It is under this resolution that Sinn Fein Members claim expenses in connection with the party's representative business.

It is the Government's view that this issue of representative money for parties that do not take the Oath is primarily a matter for the House itself to resolve.