§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he will give for the longest and most convenient stated period of time as much detailed information as may be available regarding any types of court proceedings where Exchequer funds have been expended in any form so far as legal charges and costs are concerned; in each case if he will state what these work out at either per hour, day, week, month or year; and what steps he has taken or intends taking to reduce these costs to public funds in accordance with the Government's policy of reducing public expenditure.
§ The Attorney-GeneralI regret that information about the use of Exchequer funds in payment of legal charges and costs is not kept in a form that makes it possible to answer this question without disproportionate effort and expense. The cost of litigation includes the preparation of the case for trial. Accordingly, to express costs in terms of the time occupied by the trial would be misleading and unhelpful. I am constantly seeking ways of reducing the cost to public funds of litigation.
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