Select Committee on Standards and Privileges Appendices to the Minutes of Evidence


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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