body-container-line-1
28.05.2012 General News

MPs Recall News International's James Murdoch Over Hacking Allegations

28.05.2012 LISTEN
By Daily Graphic

James Murdoch is to face more questions from MPs investigating the News of the World (NoW) phone-hacking scandal.

Culture committee chairman John Whittingdale said he was recalling News International's chairman to give evidence for a second time.

It comes after MPs heard conflicting evidence over how much Mr Murdoch knew about the practice at the NoW.

Separately, it has emerged the mother of a 7/7 bombing victim is to pursue a civil case against News International.

The case of Sheila Henry, whose son, Christian Small, was killed in the 2005 Russell Square explosion, will be one of six test cases for civil damages claims against News Group Newspapers over phone-hacking claims.

'Happy to appear'
It is not known when Mr Murdoch will appear before the culture committee.

Mr Whittingdale, its chairman, said the committee wanted to first hear evidence from other witnesses, including former senior News Corporation executive Les Hinton and Mark Lewis, the lawyer representing alleged phone-hacking victims.

A News Corp spokesman said: 'James Murdoch is happy to appear in front of the committee again to answer any further questions members might have.'

Earlier this month, former NoW legal manager Tom Crone told MPs he was 'certain' he told Mr Murdoch about an email which indicated phone hacking at the paper went beyond one rogue reporter.

Mr Crone said 'it was the reason that we had to settle' a case. Former editor Colin Myler also told the committee the email was discussed.

Mr Murdoch, however, has insisted he was not told about the email.

At the High Court, Lord Justice Vos has been considering applications from a number of alleged phone-hacking victims to decide whose will be heard as test cases in the new year.

Earlier, he added that of Sheila Henry to a list including actor Jude Law, MP Chris Bryant, interior designer Kelly Hoppen, sports agent Sky Andrew and ex-footballer Paul Gascoigne.

Other developments to emerge from the High Court hearing include:

The family of murdered schoolgirl Milly Dowler, whose phone was allegedly hacked, have not issued proceedings

Lib Dem MP Simon Hughes issued proceedings against the NoW

New and significant information has been found at News International

Scotland Yard is currently investigating claims that reporters hacked into the messages of celebrities and public figures between 2005 and 2006. - BBC

body-container-line