Oral Answers to Questions

Margaret Ferrier Excerpts

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Commons Chamber

[Chris Grayling]

Of course, that is an important point. That is why I say we will keep the matter under review. This is the first occasion that it has happened in recent times. Clearly, if it becomes a regular feature, we may have to think again, but I do not want to manage processes unnecessarily. We need to see whether there is genuinely a longer-term issue.

[Margaret Ferrier (Rutherglen and Hamilton West) (SNP)]

4. When the Government plans to make a decision on future levels of Short money.

[The Deputy Leader of the House of Commons (Dr Thérèse Coffey)]

The Cabinet Office published a document on 18 February seeking views from members of the parliamentary parties panel, political parties, individuals who were elected to the House of Commons at the last election, and the Clerk of the House, with a deadline of 7 March for written submissions. I understand that there will also be oral discussions. These responses will be considered before any decision is taken. We will then put forward a proposal for Parliament to approve.

[Margaret Ferrier]

Government consultation is ongoing, but there is clearly a pressing need to know what resources will be available in a few weeks’ time. Can the Deputy Leader of the House assure us that no changes to the Short money allocation formula will take effect until the beginning of the 2017-18 financial year at the earliest?

[Dr Coffey]

The Government have not yet reached any conclusions, but my understanding is that that is part of the ongoing discussion between the parties.