R5-26

The definition of a permissible source should cover: As to individuals: registered UK voters and those entitled to register as UK voters As to corporations: companies incorporated in the United Kingdom As to partnerships: partnerships based in and having their principal sphere of operations in the United Kingdom As to trade unions: trade unions registered here pursuant to statute As to other organisations: organisations, voluntary associations and trusts etc. genuinely based in and having their principal sphere of operations in the United Kingdom (but excluding branches of foreign organisations of whatever character). (p 74) Fifth Report of the Committee on Standards in Public Life 6 72858-COI-1-14 Party Funding 5/10/98 10:46 am Page 6 27. It should be made a criminal offence to attempt to evade or render nugatory the statutory provisions which confine political parties to donations received from a permissible source. A specific provision should be made to cover possible abuse by the utilisation of UK subsidiaries of foreign corporations.