To ask Her Majesty's Government what legal and other costs the Ministry of Defence has already incurred and is prepared to incur in contesting the claim to the High Court for compensation of British servicemen who have suffered illnesses (including cancers, skin defects and fertility problems) due to exposure to radiation from the testing of atomic and thermo-nuclear weapons on the Australian mainland, on Christmas Island and elsewhere in the South Pacific. [HL1029]

Legal and other costs incurred up to 16 January 2009 (the latest available) were £1,599,640.43. Additional costs will be billed following the conclusion of the High Court trial on 6 February 2009. Costs thereafter will depend on the outcome of the trial.