Correspondence from the Chairman of the
Committee to the Cabinet Secretary, 4 March 2009
I am writing to you in regards to the Home Affairs
Committee Policing Process of Home Office Leaks Inquiry.
The Committee's inquiry is focussing on the
way in which the Home Office reacted to the suspected leaks of
information and the procedures followed by the Metropolitan Police
when they were asked to investigate further and the procedures
leading up to the arrest of Damian Green MP.
As part of the Inquiry, the Committee have received
oral evidence from Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick, Mayor of
London Boris Johnson, the Permanent Secretary to the Home Office
Sir David Normington and the Home Secretary Rt Hon Jacqui Smith
MP.
The Committee have received evidence from Assistant
Commissioner, Bob Quick in regards to the cooperation between
the Metropolitan Police and the Cabinet Office. Due to the involvement
of the Cabinet Office at the start of the investigative stage,
I would be grateful if you could clarify the following points.
1. When you were first notified that there was
a Police investigation involving Damian Green MP.
2. When you were first notified that the offices
of Damian Green MP were to be searched.
3. When you were first notified that Damian Green
MP has been arrested.
4. What communication you had regarding this
case with Rt Hon Liam Byrne MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office.
5. Did you or any of your private office civil
servants discuss at any time the possibility that this investigation
might lead to an arrest of an MP, and if so when?
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