HC Deb 24 October 1972 vol 843 c266W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Attorney-General why, in view of the fact that the Government were not a party to or concerned in any of the legal cases affecting the imprisoned five dockers and the container dispute, a total of £3,078 was paid out to counsel instructed by the Official Solicitor; how many shared this amount of fees and in what proportion; and how many hours or days of work were involved in each case by the recipients of these payments.

The Attorney-General

The Official Solicitor instructed counsel in pursuance of his general duty to take such action as he thinks appropriate in cases where persons are committed for contempt of court. Four counsel were involved.

Details of Fees are as follows:

Rank of Counsel Days in Court Fees
£
1. Leading counsel 3½ 1,400
2. Leading counsel ½ 150
3. Junior 11½ 1,428
4. Junior ½ 100
The hours or days of work out of court are not included.