To ask the Solicitor-General what the cost to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) was of defending the legal action challenging the decision to drop the investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption against BAE Systems plc in relation to Saudi Arabia; how much was paid to the legal team acting for the SFO in the case; what the fees were of Jonathan Sumption QC for representing the SFO in the appeal to the House of Lords; and from which budget these costs were met. (252134)

The total cost to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) of defending the legal action challenging the decision to drop the investigation into BAE Systems plc, as far as relating to Saudi Arabia, was £372,099.67. These costs comprise counsel fees, Treasury Solicitor fees and associated printing costs, and relate to both the hearing in the Divisional Court and the appeal in the House of Lords.

The legal team acting for the SFO (that is, external counsel and Treasury Solicitors) was paid £344,144.37.

Jonathan Sumption QC was paid £53,377 to represent the SFO in the appeal to the House of Lords.

All the above costs were met from the normal SFO budget.

All costs stated are exclusive of VAT.