§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what progress has been made in meeting the claims arising from the ruling over the Factortame case brought by owners of flag of convenience vessels. [150068]
§ Mr. MorleySettlement has now been reached with all the applicants involved in the Factortame litigation. Under the terms of the settlement the total sum of damages paid is £55 million, including interest of some £26 million. This includes the earlier settlement of £10 million reached in 2000 but excludes the legal costs of the applicants, liability for which was accepted as part of the settlement agreements, but which have yet to be assessed. The claims submitted by the applicants totalled £285 million before interest.