To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what discussions he has had with Sir Hayden Phillips on the online publication of the background papers to his consideration of the funding of political parties. (318346)

On 21 October 2009, Sir Hayden Phillips wrote to the representatives of each of the political parties participating in the inter-party talks asking whether they would consent to the release and publication of the background papers and minutes from the inter-party talks on the funding of political parties. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor (Mr. Straw) has since responded to Sir Hayden in his capacity as Labour Party participant. Ministry of Justice officials have responded separately to Sir Hayden in respect of the background papers prepared by the Department. I understand that Sir Hayden is currently considering the parties' responses.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice if he will publish the minutes of the final meeting of Sir Hayden Phillips' review of the funding of political parties. (318347)

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Justice and Lord Chancellor (Mr. Straw) to the hon. Member for Chichester (Mr. Tyrie) on 16 October 2009, Official Report, column 1194W.