Written question asked by Ben Bradshaw (Labour) on Monday, 30 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 May 2001. It was answered by Kim Howells (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 May 2001 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, what action the Department of Trade and Industry took in relation to an application for discovery in the Astra case at the High Court on 28th November 1997; what the costs of the application were to the Department's funds; and if he will make a statement. - Includes fact that disproportionate cost. (Holding answer 3 May 2001).

Answer: Mr. Bradshaw: To ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what action the Department of Trade and Industry took in relation to an application for discovery in the Astra case at the High Court on 28 November 1997; what the costs of the application were to the Department's funds; and if he will make a statement. [160140] Dr. Howells: [holding answer 3 May 2001]: The Department complied with all orders made by the court in the disqualification proceedings in the case of Astra Holdings Plc heard on 28 November 1997. It is not possible to determine the cost of individual applications in the proceedings without disproportionate cost.

Secondary information