asked the Lord President of the Council what is the cost of running the House of Commons per hour; and what was the cost to public funds during the proceedings on the Ministerial and Other Salaries Bill.

I am afraid that no realistic costing of a particular debate is possible. The total annual expenditure on the House of Commons Vote and allied services, excluding the cost of Members' salaries and allowances, works out at about £23,000 for each sitting day.