"I happen to think the courts will probably take the view that Baroness Hallett, who's running the inquiry, is perfectly entitled and empowered to decide whatever she wants.

"I do not suppose it's a cynical waste of time in any respect. The privateness level is related.

"I think it'll clear up and give people confidence, even if all this achieves is to make very clear that the inquiry will treat with absolute confidentiality anything private and we can get on with it.

"I feel it's actually necessary that the foundations of this are made clear and I completely have little or no doubt that the courts will discover that Baroness Hallett will resolve what proof she deems related, after which we'll get on with it.

"I think personally it's quite likely that the courts will rule that Baroness Hallett will decide what evidence, but I think it's a point worth testing."