§ Mr. SpellarTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the total sum paid in legal aid for Mr. Jawad Hashim in connection with legal action between him and the Arab monetary fund.
Mr. John M. TaylorA total of £2.8 million has been paid on account to lawyers representing Dr. Hashim. However, the principal legal aid certificate issued in respect of proceedings between Dr. Hashim and the Arab monetary fund has been revoked pending an appeal against revocation by Dr. Hashim. If the decision to revoke is upheld Dr. Hashim will be deemed never to have been legally aided, in which case the Legal Aid Board would be entitled to recover its costs from Dr. Hashim. The final cost of the case to the legal aid fund will depend on the outcome of the appeal and, if appropriate, any legal aid costs would be subject to taxation by the court.