HC Deb 28 July 1977 vol 936 c439W
Mr. Lee

asked the Attorney-General what was the total cost to public funds of the blasphemous libel action against Dennis Lemon and "Gay News".

The Solicitor-General

No part of the costs of the prosecution in this case will fall to be paid out of public funds. The cost of legal aid for the defendant, Mr. Lemon, will not be known until the bill has been lodged by his solicitors with the court and taxed; Mr. Lemon was ordered to pay an amount not exceeding £434 towards that cost and accordingly public funds will be relieved to that extent. No accurate estimate can be made of the cost to public funds of court administration and accommodation.