If dealt with by an independent counsel after an inquiry, this can rise to up to seven years prison.

For him now to say that he will involve independent counsel on an advisory basis will satisfy few people - and certainly none with real working knowledge of the system.

Only the part of the inquest involving sensitive material will be held in private (with the appointment of independent counsel to represent the interests of families where appropriate).

That law created the role of independent counsel, who was appointed by the courts rather than the executive branch.

In cases where the administration was under suspicion, the attorneygeneral would go to a three-judge panel that would appoint an independent counsel to investigate.