HC Deb 15 June 1995 vol 261 cc640-1W
Mr. Byers

To ask the Attorney-General 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. [28864]

The Attorney-General

Work on matters related to the Scott inquiry is undertaken by staff in my Department as part of their normal duties and it is not, therefore, possible to estimate the overall cost. The costs of staff in the Treasury Solicitor's Department providing legal services to client departments in connection with the inquiry are included in charges invoiced to departments. No dedicated units have been established in my Department.

Mr. Bermingham

To ask the Attorney-General 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. [28897]

The Attorney-General

The 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.