asked the Minister for Transport the full costs of the inquiry into the Whiddy Island disaster including details of categories of fees payable to various participants in the inquiry, and by whom such costs are payable.
Written Answers. - Whiddy Island Disaster Inquiry.
396.
The following payments have been made up to and including 18 February 1980 in respect of expenditure incurred by the Exchequer in connection with the tribunal of inquiry into the Betelgeuse disaster. I have no information on the expenditure incurred by other parties involved.
|
1. Department of Transport: |
£ |
|
(i) Office accommodation and equipment |
21,890 |
|
(ii) Fees and expenses for Consultancy and Technical Services |
191,114 |
|
(iii) Facilities for Tribunal of Inquiry |
161,184 |
|
(iv) Fees and expenses of Assessors to the Tribunal |
68,543 |
|
(v) Witnesses' expenses |
5,902 |
|
(vi) Newspaper advertising in Ireland and France |
11,942 |
|
(vii) Travelling and subsistence expenses |
34,479 |
|
(viii) Miscellaneous |
19,579 |
|
514,633 |
|
|
2. Department of Posts and Telegraphs--Telephone and Telex facilities (call charges not included) |
3,607 |
|
3. Department of labour--travel and subsistence |
1,983 |
|
4. Department of Justice--travel and subsistence |
593 |
|
5. Office of Public Works--travel and subsistence and provision of furniture |
187 |
|
6. Attorney General's Office--legal fees |
238,000 |
|
Total |
759,003 |
Notes:
(a) The expenditure does not include the cost of salaries paid out of Exchequer sources.
(b) It is estimated that expenditure amounting to a further £250,000 for which bills have not yet been processed, has been incurred.
(c) Section 6 of the Tribunals of Inquiry (Evidence) (Amendment) Act, 1979 empowers the tribunal to make an Order as to payment of costs.