Dear John,

Thank you for your letter of 12 July, on behalf of the committee, inviting me to give evidence to you on 19 July.

Unfortunately, I am not available to attend the session you have planned next Tuesday. However, I am fully prepared to give evidence to the forthcoming judge-led public inquiry and I will be taking steps to notify those conducting the inquiry of my willingness to do so. Having done this, I would be happy to discuss with you how best to give evidence to your committee.

I hope this is of help.

Yours sincerely,

Rupert Murdoch

James won’t be there either, though said he is willing to give evidence in August. Brooks, however, will be put in front of the firing squad on Tuesday. Get your popcorn.

UPDATE: The Culture Media and Sport Select Committee have issued summons for the Dirty Digger and Jr.