To ask the Attorney-General what guidelines he has issued to the Treasury Solicitor on his appearance at magistrates courts for hearings relating to applications for private summons taken out against Government Ministers.

None. The Treasury Solicitor handles such matters in accordance with the ordinary arrangements for the representation of Government Ministers in relation to legal proceedings by or against them in an official capacity.

To ask the Attorney-General what was the cost to public funds of the appearance of the Treasury Solicitor at a hearing in Bath and Wansdyke magistrates court in 1990 relating to an application for a private summons taken out by Diana Francis and Joan Staines against the right hon. Member for Finchley (Mrs. Thatcher).

The cost to public funds was £796·80.