§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health from which budget the legal fees and moneys to settle the case of Dr. Chris Johnstonev. Camden and Islington health authority will come from; and to what extent her Department has underwritten the costs incurred by Camden and Islington health authority. [22901]
§ Mr. MaloneAny legal costs incurred by Camden and Islington health authority as a result of compensation claims made by former staff who were employed in the 10 trusts located within the boundaries of Camden and Islington before trust status was granted are paid out of a legal costs reserve created by the authority. If any claims were to exceed that reserve, the authority could seek access to the North Thames region's legal reserve.
§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on Dr. Johnstone's case against Camden and Islington health authority and its settlement with particular reference to her Department's involvement; and if she will indicate how much Camden and Islington health authority has spent in the last six years in legal fees on this case. [22902]
§ Mr. MaloneDr. Johnstone's legal action began in March 1989 and he withdrew his claim on 24 April 1995. In order to minimise costs, Camden and Islington health authority paid £5,600 into court with the offer to meet his 411W expenses; there was no admission of liability. The decision to reach this settlement was a matter for the authority and the Department of Health was not involved.
To date, the authority has spent £69,327 in legal fees.