§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Bach on 8 September (WA 45) in regard to the cost to the taxpayer of contesting the case of Gulf War veteran Mr Shaun Rusling, what representations they have received concerning Mr Rusling's response to the reply; what action they are taking; and whether they will now update the reply to take account of all costs incurred in contesting the case at tribunals and all the way to the High Court. [HL4380]
§ Lord BachI have received the noble Lord's letter of 8 September, with which he encloses a copy of Mr Rusling's letter to him dated 3 September. I will be replying shortly. I have received no other representations.
Negotiations with Mr Rusling's lawyers are now complete. Legal costs paid up to 12 September 2003 amount to £123,697.77. The final figure, including our own external legal costs, is expected to be approximately £150,000.00.