§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether counsel for the Home Office offered to drop the action for contempt against Ms. Harriet Harman; at what time on what date this offer was conveyed to Ms. Harman's counsel; what condition was attached to this offer regarding the payment of 510WA costs by Ms. Harman, and what have been the additional costs incurred by the Home Office since their conditional offer was made.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Belstead)Counsel for the Home Office approached Ms. Harriet Harman's counsel about an out of court settlement but it would be inappropriate to discuss exploratory exchanges passing between counsel in connection with litigation.