asked the Lord Privy Seal if he will set out (a) the number of employees, (b) the machinery and equipment and (c) other benefits in kind provided to the Official Opposition from public funds in addition to the assistance to opposition parties, indicating the estimated annual value in each case.

In addition to assistance provided to Opposition parties as Short money, assistance from public funds for the Official Opposition is provided in the sum of £66,559 for four office staff; £1,747 for office machinery; and £53,970 for other benefits in kind which include postal services, telecommunications and travel.