Thank you.

Certainly I agree.

I'm talking about the situation today, not the circumstance, clearly, of five years ago, but I think in general this country enjoys something precious, and something which I say many people in other countries look up to. I think that's a balancing thing that needs to be very ...

If I can, again, make a general honest remark. I think there are many people outside the United Kingdom who look at the British press with jealousy, due to the extent of competition and choice in this marketplace, and due to the ability of the press in general terms in ...

I don't -- I'm not actually familiar with the full detail.

I would argue in the end this gives an extra responsibility to the United Kingdom, without a written constitution, without these guarantees, with guarantees which I find, coming here, are relying on a 1998 European Act -- there is an even greater responsibility for the state to limit its intervention.

Because once the state intervenes, the state intervenes. I think I would go to the principle of the United States, where the congress could not pass a law to have that effect, and --

I don't accept that.

It's an exciting concept. It was actually implemented in the 1930s by a prime minister who was legally appointed in Italy and who was legally removed from office, but I don't know that this structure from Italy is much to learn from. But I think the general lesson ...

There's certainly a review in Australia at this time. Again, we'll see how that evolves. I'd be very surprised if it changed the fundamental self-regulation position.

I would point out that both Australia and New Zealand share the principle of the United Kingdom that there is no ...

Thank you for a broad question. I would maybe make the caveat that as a newcomer to this country, clearly my observations are relying on a relatively short period of time, and that I've worked in four significant separate markets: firstly, New Zealand and Australia, both of which are ...

In terms of compliance, no. The policies of NI apply equally to all three title or the two companies which encompass the three titles.

It's not defined as a separate -- to my knowledge, it's not defined as a separate item in the risk management policy, no.

That is correct.

News Corporation has a risk management policy. NI, as a subdivision of the company, doesn't have a separate risk management policy.

There's certainly been a change or a more clear definition of policy rather than a change. I think in terms of culture it's a question of -- I've been there six months. I think any culture in any organisation is something that evolves over time. It will obviously ...

Correct.

The internal investigation.

I don't think there's anything I would draw to the Inquiry's attention separately from the investigations which are progressing and which I think in time results of which will be notified to the authority -- to the Inquiry.

I believe it was a third-party computer.

That is correct.

I would await a request and consider it at the time.

I think it requires positive control. I think it's fair to say people are particularly sensitive to this issue at this time, given recent history. I'm confident that at this time there is no leakage in the policy and it would require ongoing attention to ensure that's ...

What -- I'm completely confident that they are. I have required of the editors and the managing editors that -- as it's stated here, first of all, we don't at this time employ private investigators and secondly that search agents, like other suppliers to the company, are subject to ...

I'm aware in general terms of that evidence and I'm aware that this was an issue in the past, although I think these definitions are relevant today.

Yes.

This is what I've been advised by my colleagues, and particularly editorial staff.

I think if the board shows an interest to apply itself to, as we are doing now, set clear and well-communicated policies, that itself is a message to the employees of the company of the manner they're expected to behave.

I believe the board members have a general responsibility to contribute to ethics. I would think ethics itself, as other witnesses have described, is a subjective term, not an objective one, but I think the standards that the board sets, the way the board itself behaves, contributes to the overall ...

It's correct the first four have been rolled out and the fifth is actually available on the intranet in a draft form, but has to be finalised.

2.8(iv) on page 5, as I have it, yes.

I think in particular what we have sought to do is to update/refresh the whole range of compliance policies and in particular improve the communications of the compliance policies. My observation has been that even where an existing policy is completely thorough and appropriate, if it's not well ...

I should say first of all it's not necessarily relating to News International, because I continue to have responsibilities in other parts of the company. He is interested fundamentally in the business. Frequently our discussion would be how our advertising revenue is progressing. He's interested in the news ...

It will vary week to week. In some weeks, I will speak to simultaneous several times via the phone. In some weeks, I might not speak to him at all.

In this role?

I've been involved with News Corporation and its subsidiaries, but not News International.

That is correct.

That's correct.

That's correct.

Which I have, yes.

Yes.

I am.

Yes.

That is correct.

That's correct.

Thank you.

Thomas Mockridge.