§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the 1998 Ministry of Defence police search of the home of journalist Tony Geraghty; how many hours this search lasted; how many personnel and of what rank were present; what items were removed from the premises; what items have been retained by the Ministry of Defence police; what items have been passed on to other agencies; what items have been returned to the owner; what charges were brought against Mr. Geraghty; what considerations led to charges being dropped; and what compensation has been offered to Mr. Geraghty. [122760]
§ Mr. SpellarThe additional cost of the Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) search of the home of Tony Geraghty was £606.00. The search lasted just under seven hours and was conducted by two detective sergeants and four detective constables. A computer, associated equipment and documentation was taken by the MDP. Items for use in a forthcoming court case involving one of Mr. Geraghty's associates have been retained by the MDP. Items relevant to a West Mercia police investigation, concerning Mr. Geraghty, were passed to that Force. All items not required for the forthcoming court case and not passed to West Mercia police have been returned to Mr. Geraghty. Mr. Geraghty was charged under section 5 of the Official Secrets Act 1989 on 13 May 1999. The decision not to proceed against Mr. Geraghty is a matter for the Attorney General. My Department has not made an offer of compensation to Mr. Geraghty.