APPENDIX 8
Letter to the Clerk of the Committee on
Standards and Privileges
from Ms Maria Fernandes
Thank you for your letter of 19th December 2001.
In view of your statement that the remit of both
the Committee and the Commissioner does not extend to me or my
practice I would be grateful if you could indicate why there are
numerous references to me in the extracts you have sent me.
On the 23rd December 2001 The Sunday Times published
defamatory statements about me. These did not appear in the extracts
you have sent me. I am seeking legal advice about this matter.
Can you forward copies of the statements referred
to by the Sunday Times with the evidence that supports this. Can
you also indicate what steps the Committee intend to take to protect
the confidentiality of information concerning myself or my clients.
I have passed your questions on Mapesbury, a number
of which have already been answered, to the accountants for a
response on any outstanding matters. You will recall that Robert
Sheldon and yourself were handed a report prepared by an independent
accountant. Please confirm that you still have this.
Could you please forward the information received
from the "Immigration Service" referred to in your question
concerning Mrs Matin, so that I can accurately comment on them.
As I told Sir George Young on the 13th October 2001
I would be prepared to help the Committee in any way within the
confines of my duty to my clients. There are ongoing legal proceedings
in respect of some of the matters.
31 December 2001
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