HL Deb 08 February 2001 vol 621 cc119-20WA
Lord Acton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What progress has been made in meeting the claims arising from the ruling over the Factortame case brought by owners of flag of convenience vessels. [HL658]

The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Baroness Hayman)

Settlement has now been reached with all the applicants involved in the Factortame litigation. Under the terms of the settlement the total sum of damages paid is £55 million, including interest of some £26 million. This includes the earlier settlement of £10 million reached in 2000 but excludes the legal costs of the applicants, liability for which was accepted as part of the settlement agreements but which have yet to be assessed. The claims submitted by the applicants totalled £285 million before interest.