§ Mr. CohenTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what was the total public cost of(a) Treasury solicitors and (b) others in connection with the disqualification proceedings against Mr. Gerald James and the directors of Astra Holdings. [41875]
§ Mrs. BeckettThe final figures have yet to be determined, but Treasury Solicitors' costs are likely to be about £280,000. The costs (£122,000) of two directors have already been paid after proceedings against them were discontinued in May 1996. Following the request by the judge that I personally consider the handling of the case, and my subsequent decision to abandon the proceedings against the remaining four directors (three of whom are legally aided) my Department will meet their costs, to be taxed on the standard basis, unless previously agreed. It is too early accurately to predict what those costs might amount to.
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