James Murdoch may face probe over `mistaken' testimony

James Murdoch, chief executive of News International and senior executive at the parent company News Corp, was under increasing pressure today over his handling of the phone-hacking scandal that has hit the Murdoch family's media empire and could jeopardise his own position at the company.

Written evidence from James Murdoch and the solicitors Harbottle & Lewis about their role in the phone hacking scandal at the now defunct News of the World could be published as early as this weekend, say reports.

Members on the culture, media and sport committee of the British parliament are to use a scheduled meeting next Friday to consider whether to make public letters - due to be sent to them this week - "clarifying" evidence already given to MPs.

Meanwhile, British police are considering a request from opposition Labour politician Tom Watson to investigate claims the 38-year-old son of News Corp head Rupert Murdoch gave "mistaken" testimony to a high profile hearing in parliament last week.

The letters to be submitted to the parliamentary panel are likely to provide a more detailed picture of exactly what information on the widespread use of phone hacking James Murdoch says he had when he signed off a payment of nearly £1 million to Gordon Taylor, the professional footballers' representative, in 2009. The payment contained a gagging clause, preventing him from speaking about the hacking.

The new letters will also clarify the role of Harbottle & Lewis in the case. On Tuesday, Rupert Murdoch appeared to accuse the law firm of failing to fully examine emails, which contained evidence of alleged criminality by senior staff at the News of the World. He said the firm had made a "major mistake".