§ Sir Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 21 April,Official Report, column 609, what costs would be involved to his Department in calculating the legal costs involved in the representation of the United Kingdom's interests in the infraction proceedings since 1 January 1985 and the consequential legal charges against the United Kingdom as a result of the decisions of the court; what consideration has been given to recording such costs; and if he will make a statement.
263W
§ Mr. Heathcoat-AmoryTo attempt to obtain accurate figures for the legal and consequential costs of the infraction proceedings brought before the court by the Commission would involve detailed research work across several Government Departments. The cost of such an exercise would exceed the disproportionate cost threshold for written parliamentary questions.
We will continue to minimise the costs incurred by adverse European Court of Justice decisions by ensuring that Britain complies with its treaty obligations.