Question

To ask the Senior Deputy Speaker, further to the Written Answers by the Chairman of Committees (Lord Laming) on 12 May 2016 (HL8153) and the Senior Deputy Speaker (Lord McFall of Alcluith) on 26 November (HL11454), why the cost of a Liberal Democrat hereditary peers' by-election, payable to Electoral Reform Services, has risen from £300 to £570.

The costs differ as, exceptionally, Electoral Reform Services were not involved in the print and distribution of the voting packs for the Liberal Democrat by-election in 2016. On that occasion, these tasks were handled by a member of House staff. The £570 figure quoted is from the successful tender submitted by Electoral Reform Services whom we expect to carry out all functions in future by-elections.