Former Sun editor sidesteps MPs’ questions
By Ian Dunt“>
A former editor of the Sun has been forced to bat away questions from MPs over how much the media pays police for information.
As the phone-hacking scandal continued to rumble along, Rebekah Brooks was forced to explain comments she had once made to the culture, media and sport committee about police contact with journalists several years ago.
“You stated that the [Sun] had paid police officers for information,” home affairs committee chair Keith Vaz wrote.
“I would be most grateful if you would let me know the number of police paid by The Sun newspaper whilst you were editor, how much these police officers were paid [and] when the practice ceased.”
Ms Brooks, who is now chief executive of News International, attempted to sidestep the searching questions in her reply.
“As can be seen from the transcript, I was responding to a specific line of questioning on how newspapers get information,” Ms Brooks said.
“My intention was simply to comment generally on the widely-held belief that payments had been made in the past to police officers.
“If, in doing so, I gave the impression that I had knowledge of any specific cases, I can assure you that this was not my intention.”
