§ 41. Mr. Tim Rentonasked the Attorney-General what was the cost to public funds of the recent case brought by Holliday, Hall and Co. Ltd and of his appearance in the case.
§ Mr. RentonWas not that an extraordinary waste of taxpayers' money? Will the right hon. and learned Gentleman have a whip-round of his Cabinet colleagues to find the money for this appearance? Will he take steps to ensure that the Department of Employment does not issue any more "unfortunately worded" statements about sanctions and the black list for which he then has to apologise in court at the taxpayers' expense?
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy appearance before the Court of Appeal on this occasion was certainly not a waste of public funds. On the contrary, it was a very appropriate response to the action taken by the Court of Appeal and saved a great deal of money in the long run. The other questions put by the hon. Gentleman are not matters for me.