§ Ms DrownTo ask the Solicitor-General what the cost was to her Department of the case of R (on the application of Pretty)v. DPP 2001. [107504]
§ The Solicitor-GeneralMrs. Diane Pretty challenged the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions not to grant her husband prospective immunity were he to assist her in ending her life.
The difficult and complex issues in this tragic case were considered by a number of lawyers in the Crown Prosecution Service and at the Treasury Solicitors Department. Senior Treasury Counsel was instructed to advise, and he appeared on behalf of the Director in the Divisional Court, the House of Lords and the European Court of Human Rights.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) does not operate a system whereby time spent on individual cases is recorded. It is therefore not possible to calculate CPS staff costs.
Treasury Solicitors did not apply for costs and did not therefore prepare a scheduled bill. These will be calculated and forwarded to my hon. Friend in due course.
Counsel was paid a total of £20,984.94 for advising and appearing at court on behalf of the Director. This includes accommodation and attendant expenses.