HC Deb 16 January 1979 vol 960 cc704-5W
Mr. Arthur Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the cost to public funds of the recent prosecution of the two men who climbed Nelson's Column in October 1978.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

No estimate of the total cost to public funds is available, but I understand that the costs of prosecuting counsel are not expected to exceed £200.

Mr. Arthur Latham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department who authorised the prosecution of the two men who climbed Nelson's Column in October 1978.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The decision to prosecute was taken by the Metropolitan Police.