HC Deb 04 March 2003 vol 400 c928W
Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland on what grounds the Permanent Secretary of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment has been granted public funding to pursue private legal action against the media. [90185]

Mr. Paul Murphy

Financial assistance is provided to civil servants to pursue legal action against third parties if it is considered to be in the interests of the employing Department that proceedings should be instituted. In this case, financial assistance was provided to uphold the reputation of the Permanent Secretary in the interests of the Department.

Mr. McGrady

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many civil servants in each of the past 15 years have been granted public funds to pursue libel actions. [90186]

Mr. Paul Murphy

Three civil servants have been authorised to receive financial support to pursue libel actions in the past 15 years. Two other civil servants were authorised to receive financial support for preliminary advice in matters relating to their reputations.

Financial assistance is given to civil servants to pursue legal action against third parties if it is considered to be in the interests of the employing Department that proceedings should be instituted.