§ 48. Mr. Greenwayasked the Attorney-General on what date it was decided to prosecute Mr. Derry Mainwairing Knight; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-General (Sir Michael Havers)The Director of Public Prosecutions decided to prosecute Mr. Derry Mainwairing Knight on 20 May 1985.
§ Mr. GreenwayIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware of estimates that the "Satan trial", which lasted 36 days, cost up to £500,000 and that some lawyers were paid as much as £30,000 in fees? Does he share my concern that for some people the cost of justice looks too high?
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe figure of £500,000 is a gross exaggeration. I have made preliminary inquiries, but I do not yet have the full figures. A number of lawyers, both solicitors and banisters, would not agree with my hon. Friend's second point.