Mr. John D. TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the length of the case of Cuan Sea Fisheries against the Department of the Environment (NI) in the High Court in Northern Ireland; what was the outcome; what payment is being made to Cuan Sea Fisheries; what are the estimated legal costs to the Department; and what legal costs of the claimant will be paid by him.
§ Mr. Peter BottomleyThe case of Cuan Sea Fisheries Ltd. against the Department of the Environment for Northern Ireland and others lasted for 85 court days. The plaintiff ultimately agreed to withdraw its claim against the defendants in consideration of an ex gratia payment of £1 million to include costs and outlays. The Department of the Environment maintained its denial of liability. The estimated legal costs to the Department are some £320,000.