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Last Updated: Wednesday, 4 June, 2003, 06:38 GMT 07:38 UK

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Spies 'fuelled Iraq arms row' Rogue elements within the
intelligence services have been blamed by a senior
minister for briefing against the government about the weapons threat posed by
Iraq.

The Leader of the Commons, Dr
John Reid, said journalists were
fed false information which
accused Tony Blair of
exaggerating the size of Saddam Hussein's arsenal.

This fresh development comes as the prime minister prepares
to answer questions in the Commons on the lack of weapons
of mass destruction (WMD) found in Iraq since the war.

Speaking to the Times, Dr Reid said spies told journalists
Downing Street had doctored the reports to strengthen the
case for war against Iraq.

The Tories' shadow foreign
secretary Michael Ancram
criticised Dr Reid's "silly
remarks" saying they would
"increase the wrangling" over
the issue rather than providing
the full and swift answers
needed from the prime minister.

On Tuesday it was announced an influential group of MPs is
set to scrutinise the government's decision to go to war with
Iraq.

'Skulduggery'

The Foreign Affairs Select committee will focus on the way
intelligence information over Iraq's weapons was presented by
Mr Blair's administration.

The prime minister is also expected to announce on
Wednesday that Parliament's Intelligence and Security
Committee will investigate the issue of Iraq's WMD.

Dr Reid told the Times: "There
have been uncorroborated
briefings by a potentially rogue
element - or indeed rogue
elements - in the intelligence
services.

"I find it difficult to grasp why
this should be believed against
the word of the British Prime
Minister and the head of the
Joint Intelligence Committee."

Hilary Armstrong, the
government chief whip, is also quoted by the paper as saying
"skulduggery" was at work in the intelligence services, and
acting against ministers.

This fresh twist to the row over Iraq's WMD could further fuel
calls for a full public inquiry, which the Liberal Democrats are
expected to urge on Wednesday.

Closed doors

That has so far been rejected by Downing Street, but the
pressure was increased by the US Congress decision to
investigate the intelligence on Iraq arms. Its hearings will be
transmitted on live TV.

In the UK, the Intelligence and Security Committee inquiry
would take place behind closed doors.

Mr Blair has denied accusations
that intelligence information
was doctored, insisting he
stands "100%" by the evidence
shown to the public about
Iraq's alleged weapons
programmes.

Journalists had claimed
intelligence sources said the
dossier published in September
had been "sexed up" by
Downing Street.

The prime minister is to make a Commons statement about
the weekend's G8 summit in Evian, which was dominated by
the issue of WMD.