To ask the hon. Member for Gosport, representing the Speaker’s Committee on the Electoral Commission what guidance the Electoral Commission has given on declaration and registration of trade union sponsorship of (a) hon. Members and (b) parliamentary candidates. (171387)

The Electoral Commission informs me that it produces guidance for Members of Parliament on their reporting requirements under the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000. A copy of the most recent version of the guidance, “Donations and loans: guidance for Members of Parliament”, published in November 2006, has now been placed in the House of Commons Library. The guidance covers the types of donations, including sponsorship, that must be reported to the Commission.

Guidance for parties, candidates and agents is provided to those involved in elections to Westminster, the European Parliament, Scottish Parliament, Northern Ireland Assembly, National Assembly for Wales and for all local government elections.