asked the Prime Minister whether he will consider introducing legislation making it compulsory for all political parties having, or seeking to have, representation in this House, to publish properly audited annual income and expenditure accounts and balance sheets, and to disclose therein such particulars as will enable the general public to be aware of the principal sources of their revenue and the extent to which it has been provided by personal individual donations or contributions of under £5 in any one year.

I follow the point of my hon. and gallant Friend's Question, and there is much to be said for it. I will keep it in mind, but I doubt whether Parliamentary time is available at this juncture.

Does my right hon. Friend agree that these political parties which have nothing to hide might well publish their annual accounts in the meantime without being compelled to do so by legislation?

In that case, why have legislation for any party which is quite prepared to publish its accounts?