To ask the Secretary of State for Justice pursuant to the written ministerial statement by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions of 12 February 2009, Official Report, columns 116-19WS, on departmental expenditure limits, what increased operating costs relating to the introduction of the Employment and Support Allowance were incurred by his Department. (271700)

The Tribunals Service received £695,000 in the Spring Supplementary Estimate to process 3,665 cases forecast for 2008-09. A further £760,000 was also paid by DWP to the Legal Services Commission for people who might require legal aid in appealing against ESA decisions. Together, the Spring Supplementary payments total £1,455,000.