An investigation into alleged racism at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital cost Government almost $300,000, it was revealed in the House of Assembly on Friday.

Junior Justice Minister Michael Scott told MPs that the review — carried out by the independent Ombudsman’s office from September 2006 to last month — put Government $285,400 over budget for non-ministry departments. It was ordered after claims of discrimination involving medics at the hospital.

Opposition Leader of the House John Barritt asked for a breakdown of how the cash was spent. “It’s almost half of the budget that we give to the Ombudsman’s office,” he said. “This portends in terms of if we are going to have the Ombudsman’s office doing these sorts of jobs.”

He said the over-spend suggested the department was under-funded or without resources. Finance Minister Paula Cox acknowledged that the cost was unanticipated and “made one’s eyebrows rise” but added: “This was thought to be something that was exceptional and out of the ordinary. Certainly, it had far reaching implications.”

She did not have exact details of the spending to hand but said some of the money was used as payment for professional services, extra staff and additional equipment.

Ms Cox said it was decided that the ministries of Health and Labour should not conduct the investigation as there could be a conflict of interest. “This was something that was seen as so pervasive,” she said. She added that it was felt that the Ombudsman’s office — a champion of the downtrodden and concerned with equity and fairness — was the best department to carry out the review.

Mr. Scott said the report on the allegations would be tabled at the House before the end of this month.