§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence how many civil servants in his Department are currently working on matters related to the Scott inquiry; if a dedicated unit has been established; and what is the estimated cost to date of civil servants dealing with matters relating to the Scott inquiry. [28865]
§ Mr. FreemanA Scott inquiry unit was established in the MOD in December 1992. There are currently two civil servants working in the unit. The approximate direct cost of the unit to date, including the cost of the provision of papers, is estimated to be £190,000.
§ Mr. BerminghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what legal advice he has sought from solicitors or barristers in respect of draft conclusions reached by the Scott inquiry; what is the estimated cost of such legal expenses to public funds, and if he will make a statement. [28896]
§ Mr. FreemanThe Government do not consider it right to publish the nature or cost of any advice which may have been given to individual witnesses to the Scott inquiry.
This is a matter of confidence between them and any legal advisers they may have retained.