§ Mr. SymsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) how much the Audit Commission has paid to Mr. Tony Childs, the Westminster Auditor's legal representative, for his professional fees incurred over the period 18 July 1989 to 30 April 1999 in connection with the Auditor's inquiry into Westminster City Council's designated sales policy; [84119]
(2) how much the Audit Commission has paid to Mr. John Magill, the Westminster Auditor, in professional fees over the period 18 July 1989 to 30 April 1999 in connection with his inquiry into Westminster City Council's designated sales policy; [84120]
(3) how much the Audit Commission has paid to Mr. John Howell QC, for his professional fees incurred in representing Westminster City Council's appointed Auditor at (a) the Divisional Court hearing in 1997, (b) the Appeal Court hearing in 1999 and (c) since he 221W was first consulted in connection with the Auditor's inquiry into Westminster City Council's designated sales policy. [84121]
§ Ms ArmstrongThe cost of investigations carried out by auditors appointed by The Audit Commission are borne by the authority concerned. The Commission indemnifies the auditor for the cost of any court proceedings resulting from such investigations. Under the indemnity the Commission has met, in relation to the Westminster designated sales inquiry, costs of £2,997,000 incurred by the auditor in respect of his costs, and those of his solicitor and barrister.