Culture, Media and Sport CommitteeLetter from the Chair of the Culture, Media and Sport Committee to BCL Burton Copeland

As you are aware, the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee has been investigating claims that it was misled during its predecessor Committee’s 2009 inquiry into Press Standards, Privacy and Libel.

You will note that BCL Burton Copeland has been referred to several times in evidence to the Committee and its predecessor. Of particular relevance is written evidence to the Committee from Harbottle and Lewis, which is enclosed with this letter,

I would be very grateful if, as part of this investigation, you could provide the Committee with the following information:

1. The Committee understands that, in 2007, BCL Burton Copeland took instruction from News Corporation. It would be very helpful if you could provide information about the nature of those instructions, including dates, names of News Corporation contacts and documentation wherever possible.

2. The Committee would be grateful if you could supply the advice given by Burton Copeland to News International in connection with the instructions referred to in question (1), above.

3. The Committee would be grateful if you could provide any other information that you, might deem relevant in the context of the written evidence provided to the Committee by Harbottle and Lewis (enclosed).

The Committee would be grateful for a response to arrive no later than 4 pm on Wednesday 31 August, 2011.

With many thanks for your assistance in this matter.

16 August 2011