§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost to public funds of the libel case brought by Mr. Jonathan Aitken againstThe Guardian newspaper. [21259]
§ Mr. HoonThe libel case brought by Jonathan Aitken was heard for 13 days by a High Court Judge. The daily cost of hearing a High Court case is £982.58, which includes the cost of the judge, administrative assistance and courtroom accommodation. The cost of a 13 day trial is therefore £12,773.54. However, Jonathan Aitken paid £150 in court fees and therefore the total cost to public funds of this case is £12,623.54.