§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Attorney-General what is the latest estimated annual cost to public funds of the Crown prosecution service.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe estimated net cost to public funds of the Crown prosecution service for the year 1989–90 is £175 million. This provision was included in the Government's expenditure plans 1989–90 to 1991–92, published in January.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Attorney-General what is the estimated cost to the Crown prosecution service of employing a barrister to conduct Crown court trials, particularising both the estimated salary and the establishment cost.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe hon. Gentleman's question depends on the assumption that rights of audience will be extended to barristers employed by the Crown prosecution service. Any estimate of the costs of employing a barrister to conduct Crown court trials would depend on the civil service grade accorded to the barrister in question, the location of the area in which he was employed, and the date that he was employed to perform such a function.