Lord Bruce of Doningtonasked Her Majesty's Government:
What was the total cost of the Inspectors' investigation into the affairs and membership of Mirror Group Newspapers plc; and, in particular, what amounts in respect of their appointments as Inspectors were paid to (a) Sir John Thomas QC and (b) Raymond Turner FCA, such amounts to be broken down between the two Inspectors and between fees and reimbursement of expenses; and [HL1720]
53WAWhat amounts were paid in respect of the Inspectors' investigation into the affairs and membership of Mirror Group Newspapers plc to the firm of Neville Russell, such amounts to be broken down between fees and reimbursement of expenses; and [HL1721]
Whether a further Queen's Counsel was engaged to assist the Inspectors in their investigation into the affairs and membership of Mirror Group Newspapers plc; and, if so, what was his or her identity; and what amounts were paid to him or her in respect of this assistance, such amounts to be broken down between fees and reimbursement of expenses. [HL1722]
§ The Minister for Science, Department of Trade and Industry (Lord Sainsbury of Turville)The total cost incurred to date of the inspectors' investigations into the affairs and membership of Mirror Group Newspapers is £8,584,959 (excluding Value Added Tax). This sum can be analysed as £1,519,455 in respect of lawyers' fees and expenses and £7,018,745 in respect of accountants' fees and expenses and £46,759 being other sundry costs.
The lawyers' fees represent payments to Sir John Thomas, the lawyer inspector, and to other Counsel identified in the published report who provided advice and assistance during the course of the inspection. Since taking up his judicial appointment in 1996 Sir John Thomas has not sought payment in respect of his work on the inspection.
The accountants' fees represent payments to Raymond Turner, the accountant inspector, and for professional and administrative support provided to both inspectors by his firm, Mazars Neville Russell.
Any more detailed analysis could only be produced at disproportionate cost.