Fina Research SA v Halliburton Energy Services Inc [2002] FCA 1331

FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

Fina Research SA v Halliburton Energy Services Inc [2002] FCA 1331 PRACTICE & PROCEDURE – Security for costs – where both parties are overseas companies – where applicant has no assets in Australia – where Australian judgment may be enforced in another jurisdiction – where costs of enforcing Australian judgment in Belgium are greater than the costs of an order for security – where application for security has been delayed – whether security for costs should be restricted to the costs of enforcing judgment in another jurisdiction. PRACTICE & PROCEDURE – Interrogatories – leave to administer interrogatories – whether interrogatory irrelevant, oppressive and vexatious – where interrogatory concerns a question of law. Federal Court of Australia Act 1976 (Cth), s 56 Federal Court Rules, O 28 r 3, O 28 r 5

Norbis v Norbis (1986) 161 CLR 513 cited Oshlack v Richmond River Council (1998) 193 CLR 72 cited Bell Wholesale Co Ltd v Gates Export Corporation (No 2) (1984) 2 FCR 1 cited Energy Drilling Inc v Petroz NL (1989) ATPR 40-954 cited Cameron's Unit Services Pty Ltd v Kevin Whelpton & Associates Pty Ltd (1986) 13 FCR 46 referred to Barton v Minister for Foreign Affairs (1984) 2 FCR 463 cited Melville v Craig Nowlan & Associates Pty Ltd (2002) 54 NSWLR 82 cited Bryan E Fencott & Associates Pty Ltd v Eretta Pty Ltd (1987) 16 FCR 497 referred to Nicaro Holdings Pty Ltd v Martin Engineering Co (1990) 91 ALR 513 discussed Smith v Harris (Supreme Court of Victoria, unreported, 28 June 1996) cited

FINA RESEARCH SA v HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC & COGNIS DEUTSCHLAND GmbH & HENKEL KOMMANDITGESELLSCHAFT AUF AKTIEN & BAROID DRILLING FLUIDS INC & COGNIS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH & CO KG

N 552 OF 2000 MOORE J 29 OCTOBER 2002 SYDNEY

IN THE FEDERAL COURT OF AUSTRALIA

NEW SOUTH WALES DISTRICT REGISTRY N 552 OF 2000