§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the amount of the costs awarded by the Law Lords on 28 July against his predecessor the right hon. Member for Mole Valley (Mr. Baker) in respect of the Home Department being ruled guilty of contempt of court in relation to a court order banning deportation of the Zairean asylum seeker 'M' ; how much of the costs his Department paid; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HowardThe consequence of the ruling by the Judicial Committee in the House of Lords on 28 July is that the Home Office is liable for the applicant's costs in the proceedings in the Divisional Court, Court of Appeal and the House of Lords. The applicant's solicitors costs for the Divisional Court and the Court of Appeal have been taxed and are:
- Divisional Court-£51,195.92
- Court of Appeal-£41,110.30
The applicant's solicitors have submitted a bill for their costs in the House of Lords. When this has been taxed, all the applicant's outstanding costs will be paid.