HL Deb 17 December 1984 vol 458 cc523-4WA
The Earl of Lauderdale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What has been the total public expenditure incurred in the United Kingdom and in Europe in defending at the European Court of Human Rights the expropriation of firms in the shipbuilding industry under the Aircraft and Shipbuilding Industries Act 1977.

Lord Lucas of Chilworth

Legal costs amounted to £71,489, including VAT, for the hearing in 1983 before the European Commission of Human Rights which concluded that there had been no breach of the Convention. There will be further costs for the hearing before the European Court of Human Rights due to take place in 1985. The cost of work by officials in support of the legal team cannot be quantified.