Written question asked by Gordon Prentice (Labour) on Thursday, 11 December 1997, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 December 1997. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 22 December 1997 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, what was the cost to public funds of the libel case brought by Mr Jonathan Aitken against The Guardian newspaper. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Gordon Prentice: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what was the cost to public funds of the libel case brought by Mr. Jonathan Aitken against The Guardian newspaper. [21259] Mr. Hoon: The libel case brought by Jonathan Aitken was heard for 13 days by a High Court Judge. The daily cost of hearing a High Court case is £982.58, which includes the cost of the judge, administrative assistance and courtroom accommodation. The cost of a 13 day trial is therefore £12,773.54. However, Jonathan Aitken paid £150 in court fees and therefore the total cost to public funds of this case is £12,623.54.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 21259; 303 c397W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Defamation Legal costs Newspaper press The Guardian Aitken, Jonathan
Contains statistics: Yes