To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what the (a) total, (b) court and (c) inter-party costs were of litigation arising from cases involving Diana Elias; and how much (i) compensation and (ii) awards have been paid to Diana Elias. (104479)

The Ministry of Defence's costs arising from legal action with Mrs. Elias regarding the Ex Gratia Payment Scheme for former Far East Prisoners of War and civilian internees have yet to be finalised. The total as at the end of October was some £159,000 excluding VAT. This does not include the claimant's costs which are not yet known but does include identifiable court fees of some £400.

As was made clear in my statement of 17 October 2006, Official Report, column 46WS, Mrs. Elias has received a £10,000 ex gratia payment under the scheme. The courts awarded Mrs. Elias damages of £3,000 plus interest; as at 27 November, work between the two sides to agree the final value of the this sum had not been completed.