HL Deb 20 October 1998 vol 593 c138WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will make it their practice to instruct counsel representing Ministers and their departments, in proceedings involving convention rights under the Human Rights Bill, not to seek an order for costs against an unsuccessful claimant except where the proceedings are vexatious or constitute an abuse of legal process. [HL3358]

The Lord Chancellor

No. If Her Majesty's Government successfully defend a claim involving convention rights under the Human Rights Bill, the normal costs rules will apply; and, where appropriate, counsel will be instructed to seek an order for costs from the unsuccessful party in the usual way.