§ Norman BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on the costs and outcome of the advice given by departmental lawyers in respect of the allegations made in theDaily Mail on 19 March. [4301]
§ Ms Hewitt[holding answer 16 July 2001]: Legal advice is sought and received in confidence. All such advice is covered by legal professional privilege and is therefore exempt from disclosure. Information on the costs of any advice given by departmental lawyers in respect of these allegations is not available.