§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what contribution has been made or is planned to be made to the legal costs incurred by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury in his action for libel against the Guardian newspaper. [21842]
§ Mr. AitkenNone.
§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer how many press notices or statements have been made by his Department concerning the private business activities and associated allegations relating to the Chief Secretary to the Treasury since his appointment; and what is the estimated cost involved. [21843]
§ Mr. AitkenNone. Treasury officials have passed on a number of inquiries from the press to me and on a number of occasions have passed my replies back. Very little of their time has been involved.