§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, pursuant to his answer of 20 June,Official Report, 115W column 147–48, if the liability of the companies named in the answer has now ceased; how much money has been recovered to offset the total cost to the Treasury; and what companies remain to pursue; and if he will make a statement. [31728]
§ Mr. NelsonA substantial sum, including interest and costs was recovered in settlement of these proceedings to help offset the total cost of the ex gratia payment scheme, and consequently these actions have now been discontinued.
A number of other companies and individuals remain parties to other proceedings commenced by the Government. It is not the Government's policy to comment on the detail of legal proceedings or settlements relating to the Barlow Clowes litigation, so as not to prejudice the outcome of continuing actions.