Annex 31
File note by the Parliamentary Commissioner
for Standards
Mr John Maxton
Telephone conversation with Elizabeth Filkin, 28 January 2000
Mr Maxton asked what sort of evidence I needed and
what sort of verification. He has received my letter.
I told him I needed his account of the facts; the
researcher`s account of the facts. Anything which supports what
he says.
I told him that I understand it is difficult to prove
a negative. I start from the premise that an MP will tell me the
truth and so will MP`s staff. I only need verification if I doubt
the facts given or if conflicting evidence is given by the complainant.
The first step is to receive Mr Maxton`s response, which should
be as full as possible, and the researcher`s response.
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