HC Deb 07 September 2004 vol 424 c970W
Dr. Starkey

To ask the Solicitor-General what the cost to public funds was of the prosecution of Mr. David McGee; at what level in the Crown Prosecution Service the decision on what charges to proceed with was taken; and what other potential charges were considered. [170407]

The Solicitor-General

The Crown Prosecution Service estimates that the prosecution costs in this case to date are in the region of £6,250. This figure comprises counsels' fees and witness expenses. The CPS is unable routinely to assess and attribute its own overhead costs to individual cases.

The decision to prosecute was made by a level E special casework lawyer within the Crown Prosecution Service, following advice from leading counsel.

The other potential charges considered were under section 4 of the Official Secrets Act 1989; section 3 of the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981; section 16 of the Theft Act 1968; and the common law offence of misfeasance in a public office.