§ Mr. DalyellTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what was the cost to public funds of the case of Reginav. Rees and Rotheroe, separately identifying the costs of lawyers' fees. [21552]
§ Mr. OppenheimThe direct identifiable costs of the customs investigation which gave rise to the case of Reginav. Rees and Rotheroe amount to approximately 975W £20,250. Identifiable costs of customs lawyers are approximately £32,500. In addition there will be direct management costs which cannot be separately identified.
Payments so far made to counsel involved in the case amount to £7,300. The remaining costs of counsel for the prosecution and the defence costs to be paid out of public funds have still to be assessed. The details cannot therefore be provided at this time.