To ask the hon. Member for North Devon, representing the House of Commons Commission how much was spent on the redaction of material relating to hon. Members’ allowances prior to publication; who undertook the redaction process; and if he will place in the Library a copy of the guidelines provided for the conduct of the redaction work. (282239)

[holding answer 24 June 2009]: The scanning and redaction of material relating to hon. Members’ allowances was undertaken by staff employed by The Stationery Office, the contractor employed for this project. Final figures are not yet available but, to the end of March 2009, the cost of redaction has been £451,966.

The redaction was undertaken in two phases—copies of the redaction guidelines for each phase will be placed in the Library.