HC Deb 05 March 2002 vol 381 c156W
Mr. Frank Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what powers he has to seek reimbursement of the costs of the Lancet inquiry. [36515]

Mr. Denham

[holding answer 25 February 2002]: There are no powers to press for reimbursement of the costs of the Lancet inquiry.

I recognise that the Operation Lancet investigation placed a significant burden on Cleveland police authority. Because of the length and complexity of the investigation a special grant of £1.9 million was made to the authority in March 2001.