The DCMS has now said that the Permanent Secretary, Jonathan Stephens, was ‘content’ with Adam Smith’s contact with News Corporation, subject to ‘clear requirements’. This is a highly unusual arrangement. So I have today written to Mr Stephens asking him to publish the clear requirements that his Department says were set out by him and the Secretary of State for Adam Smith's dealings with News Corporation.  

Yesterday Jeremy Hunt told the House that he did not know what his Special Advisor was doing. This is scarcely credible, particularly as it was in respect of such an important and controversial matter. But Jeremy Hunt can clarify this and put it beyond doubt by publishing the emails and texts between him and his Special Advisor, and I have today written to Mr Hunt challenging him to do so.

My letter to Jeremy Hunt MP:

Dear Jeremy,

I am writing to ask you to publish the following: 

• All the text messages, emails from both official and personal accounts, and records of phone calls between yourself and Adam Smith relating to the News Corporation bid for BSkyB.
• All of the text messages, emails from both official and personal accounts, and records of phone calls between Adam Smith and Frederic Michel and any other representatives of News Corporation relating to the BSkyB bid.

Yours sincerely,

Harriet

My letter to Jonathan Stephens:

Dear Jonathan,

The DCMS has today issued a statement that you were content with Adam Smith's contact with News Corp in respect of the BSkyB bid, subject to ‘clear requirements’.

Could you please confirm that you knew in advance that Adam Smith was to be a contact point with News Corporation and that you approved this arrangement in advance.

I would be grateful if you would publish: 

• the ‘clear requirements’ that today's DCMS statement says were set out by you and the Secretary of State for Adam Smith's contact with News Corporation
• all of the text messages, emails from both official and personal accounts, and records of phone calls between Adam Smith and Frederic Michel and any other representatives of News Corporation relating to the BSkyB bid. 

Yours sincerely,

Harriet