Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Attorney-General (1) what legal costs arising from the Scott inquiry have been incurred by his Department on behalf of Ministers and ex-Ministers; and if he will name the individuals concerned; [8753]
(2) what legal costs arising from the Scott inquiry have been incurred by the Department on behalf of current and past (a) civil servants and (b) advisers and secondees. [8748]
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe legal costs paid to date for the legal secretariat to the Law Officers and Treasury Solicitor's Department in respect of issues arising from the Scott inquiry amount to £71,541. This sum covers advice obtained on behalf of Ministers and civil servants, both current and past. 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. Some legal advice has also been provided by departmental lawyers as part of their normal duties. The total cost of this advice is not quantifiable. It is not the Government's policy to identify the individuals who have received legal advice, either directly or indirectly.