James Murdoch Recalled by Parliament

LONDON: The U.K. parliamentary panel that is probing the News of the World phone hacking has recalled James Murdoch to give additional testimony, seeking explanation for conflicting evidence provided by him and two of his former executives.

Murdoch, who serves as deputy chief operating officer at News Corporation, will face fresh questioning by MPs. The Culture, Media and Sport committee has decided to recall Murdoch, as well as Les Hinton, the former head of News Corp.’s U.K. newspaper unit.

Both James and father Rupert appeared in front of Parliament in July to testify about the phone hacking. Two former execs have challenged James’s testimony. News of the World’s former editor, Colin Myler, and its former top lawyer, Tom Crone, told the committee earlier this month that they informed James Murdoch in early 2008 of a critical email that suggested phone hacking at News of the World went beyond a single reporter. Murdoch told MPs in July that he did not know about the email and was not shown it or informed of its existence. In a statment last week he reiterated this testimony.

The date of his appearance has not yet been finalized.

A News Corp. spokeswoman said: "We await details of the commitee’s request, however James Murdoch is happy to appear in front of the committee again to answer any further questions members might have."

"Clearly there are different accounts which we’ve heard," said John Whittingdale, the Conservative member of Parliament who chairs the committee. "He’s happy to come and answer further questions. It may well be that he comes and says he simply disagrees. But obviously that would be something that it would be helpful to hear direct from him."