Written question asked by Mark Oaten (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 29 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 July 2004. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 July 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate he has made of the legal costs relating to action to suspend the Chief Constable of Humberside from office; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Oaten: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the legal costs relating to action to suspend the Chief Constable of Humberside from office; and if he will make a statement. [181822] Ms Blears: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary's decision to require Humberside Police Authority to suspend Chief Constable David Westwood was upheld in the High Court on Friday 2 July. If Humberside Police Authority had carried out its legal duty when required to do so, there would have been no costs, as acknowledged by Mr. Justice Stanley Brunton at the High Court hearing on Friday 2 July. The Police Authority has been ordered to pay the Secretary of State the costs of these proceedings. The Secretary of State will be seeking full reimbursement of these costs, which will be either agreed between the parties or assessed by the court, in the normal way.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 181822; 423 c1051W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Disciplinary proceedings Legal costs Humberside Police Procedures Relating to Soham Murders Inquiry Humberside Police Authority
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk