Police 'asked to see' MP's e-mail

David Davis asked the Speaker to clarify the position

The Commons Speaker has said he will look into claims that the police asked for access to e-mails sent by Tory MP Damian Green without notifying him.

Fellow Conservative David Davis told Parliament the police had approached Mr Green to request access to electronic correspondence between the two MPs.

A police search of Mr Green's Westminster office in November, without a warrant, sparked anger among MPs.

The Speaker said police would in future always need a warrant for such a move.

Speaker's ruling

The Speaker also stated that he would have to personally approve any police requests to enter an MP's office or to look at their papers.

Mr Green, the shadow immigration minister, was controversially arrested and held for nine hours in an inquiry into leaks from the Home Office. That inquiry is continuing.

On Monday, former shadow home secretary David Davis asked the Speaker to clarify the rules regarding police access to e-mails he had exchanged with Mr Green.

He told MPs: "My honourable friend [Mr Green] has been approached by the Metropolitan Police and asked for access to e-mail between him and myself.

"Does this come under your ruling that it will require a warrant and will be referred to you for your personal decision?"

The Speaker said he was not aware of the request, saying it was "news" to him.

"I will investigate as to the proper protocol and also the procedures I have laid down for situation without a warrant," he said, adding that he would report back to MPs.