Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill — Special provision for Northern Ireland parties — 14 Mar 2000

As amended in the Committee and in the Standing Committee, further considered.

I beg to move amendment No. 152, in page 40, line 15, leave out clause 63.

Madam Speaker:

With this it will be convenient to discuss the following: Government amendment No. 24.

there would exist the possibility of overseas donations reaching the Republic,

It is not acceptable to argue that Northern Ireland must be treated differently because Sinn Fein are organised on an all-island basis. The same law should apply to all parties which stand for election in the United Kingdom. This should not be dismissed as a political point. The fact that it is difficult to police donations to the Republican Movement is no excuse for not trying.

Clause 63 is unsatisfactory, but, as I said earlier, we are dealing with that.

the provisions in clause 63 are temporary . . . I hope and believe that the provisions in clause 63 will eventually become unnecessary.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee G , 1 February 2000; c. 197.]

I hope that one day soon the situation will be normalised and the provisions of the Bill will apply to the whole of the United Kingdom, including Northern Ireland.--[ Official Report, Standing Committee G , 1 February 2000; c. 190.]

Question put, That the amendment be made:--

The House divided: Ayes 177, Noes 295.

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