HC Deb 22 December 1997 vol 303 c397W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost to public funds of the libel case brought by Mr. Jonathan Aitken againstThe Guardian newspaper. [21259]

Mr. Hoon

The libel case brought by Jonathan Aitken was heard for 13 days by a High Court Judge. The daily cost of hearing a High Court case is £982.58, which includes the cost of the judge, administrative assistance and courtroom accommodation. The cost of a 13 day trial is therefore £12,773.54. However, Jonathan Aitken paid £150 in court fees and therefore the total cost to public funds of this case is £12,623.54.

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