§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will take steps to ensure that, in cases where an innocent person incurs legal costs, his costs are paid to him on a taxed basis.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsSection 1 of the Costs in Criminal Cases Act 1952 pro-512W vides that when a court orders the payment of an acquitted person's costs out of local funds the amount allowed shall be such sums as appear to the court reasonably sufficient to compensate the accused for the expenses properly incurred, and that the amount of such costs shall be ascertained by the proper officer of the court. I am considering whether it would be desirable for the courts to receive further guidance on this matter.