No 10 'co-operating' with probe

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Downing Street has dismissed claims that officials are hindering the police inquiry into cash-for-honours.

The Times alleges that some documents and e-mails have not been handed over, or have "disappeared".

Police are investigating claims Labour and Downing Street staff have perverted the course of justice, it reports.

But a Downing Street spokesman said officials had "fully co-operated with the police throughout the investigation and will continue to do so".

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police said they were not prepared to discuss the allegations. A spokesman for the Crown Prosecution Service said they "cannot comment on an on-going police investigation".

Blair questioned

The police investigation into cash-for-honours was launched after it emerged some people who loaned Labour large amounts of money ahead of last year's election were subsequently nominated for honours.

Assistant Commissioner John Yates, from Scotland Yard, has said he expects to complete his inquiry next month.

Last week, Tony Blair was questioned by police over the issue.

The prime minister's questioning was not under caution, meaning he is not a suspect. He said it was "perfectly natural" for police to question him about the affair.

About 90 people have been interviewed by police during the honours probe, including people from the other main political parties as the inquiry has widened.

Three people have been arrested but no charges laid. All involved deny any wrongdoing.