Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, if he will bring forward legislative proposals to end the payment of allowances to hon. Members who do not take their seats.

The pay and allowances for Members of Parliament are a matter for IPSA. In administering pay and allowances IPSA is bound by both legislation and the resolutions of this House.

It is established in legislation that that only those MPs who choose to take their seats by swearing the oath are eligible for a salary.

On 8 February 2006, the House passed a resolution providing financial assistance to parties whose Members have not taken their seats towards expenses "wholly, exclusively and necessarily incurred for the employment of staff and related support to Members designated as that party's spokesmen in relation to the party's representative business."

The preference of the Government is that all elected Members should play a full part in the business of the House.