§ 19. Mr. Grimond asked the Lord Privy Seal what assistance out of public funds is being given to Mr. Gordon Kirby for the finance of his libel action against Private Eye; and what precedents exist for such assistance.
§ Mr. Hurd: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office has agreed to help Mr. Kirby from public funds to 439W reimburse his reasonable costs as a result of his legal action. The circumstances leading to his action arose from Mr. Kirby's performance of his official duties. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as a good employer, would not wish him to face unaided the very considerable expenses that may be involved. Mr. Kirby's decision to sue Private Eye was his and his alone and no promise of financial help was made to him before he took the decision. Financial help has been given in analagous cases.