Jack Straw is discussing who pays for the Jean Charles de Menezes inquest with four boroughs including Lewisham and Greenwich.

Under existing Ministry of Justice rules, four councils face a £4m bill for the inquest into the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

Mr de Menezes, 27, was shot on a train at Stockwell Tube Station after Metropolitan police mistook him for one of the failed July 21 bombers in 2005.

The Justice Secretary spoke about the issue in Parliament yesterday (December 9) after it was raised by the Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, Simon Hughes.

Mr Hughes said: “The costs are now estimated to be more than £4m. That is £1m for each of the four boroughs responsible for the coroner’s court, including mine in Southwark.

“Surely either the national Government should take a share of the responsibility or the cost should be shared among the 32 London boroughs policed by the Metropolitan police.”

The inquest, which is being held at the Oval Cricket Ground, opened on September 22.

Jurors are currently considering their verdict after hearing the evidence.

The £4m bill for the inquest is largely down to the cost of renting a venue large enough to accommodate all the parties involved and the wide public interest.

Answering the question Mr Straw said: “As the honourable gentleman is aware, coroners and the greater system are funded through the local government settlement.

“There is absolutely no budget line in the Ministry of Justice in respect of the operation of any coroner’s court.

“I am fully aware of the point that the honourable gentleman has raised and it is now the subject of discussion between the relevant London boroughs and my right honourable friends the Secretaries of State for Communities and Local Government and for the Home Department.