§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware that a recent libel case which took only 17 days in court is estimated to have cost between £75,000 and £100,000; and whether he will ask the National Board for Prices and Incomes to investigate the fees and salaries paid to those connected with this case, to ascertain to what extent such payments observe the Government's policy on prices and incomes.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe proceedings in this matter consisted of four separate actions which for convenience and with a view to saving time and expense were all heard together. I do not know how the estimate referred to by my hon. Friend was arrived at. I have no reason to suppose that the costs incurred did other than reflect the importance which the several parties attached to have the particular solicitors and counsel of their own choice acting for them. Counsels' fees are always the subject of negotiation in non legal aid cases.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Attorney-General whether he is aware of the high 379W legal costs involved in several recent court cases; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, to limit and reduce these costs in view of the Government's prices and incomes policy.
§ The Attorney-GeneralMy noble Friend the Lord Chancellor is always anxious to do whatever he can to reduce the cost of litigation. He is, however, satisfied that barristers and solicitors in general receive no more than is reasonable for the responsible work they do in connection with litigation. The high costs incurred in exceptional cases reflect the determination of litigants with ample means that solicitors and counsel of their own choice should act for them. Counsels' fees are always a matter for negotiation in non legal aid cases and ample opportunities exist for seeing that fees charged by solicitors in litigation are open to review by the Taxing Masters.