Mr Tony Blair today denied authorising the identification of Dr David Kelly as the source for the BBC story that alleged Downing Street "sexed up" the dossier on Iraq's weapons.
Speaking on a flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong, Mr Blair said: "I did not authorise the leaking of the name of David Kelly."
But when asked why the British government confirmed Dr Kelly's identity, the prime minister replied: "That's a completely different matter once the name is out there. The inquiry can look at these things".
The British premier was speaking as pressure mounted on his defence secretary, Mr Geoff Hoon, over the naming of the weapons expert as the Government mole behind the allegation.
It was reported Mr Hoon personally authorised the media strategy that led to Dr Kelly being named as the prime source for journalist Mr Andrew Gilligan's controversial story.
Dr Kelly apparently committed suicide last week after he had been publicly identified and subjected to intense questioning by the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee.
After his death the BBC confirmed Dr Kelly had been its source for the report on the Todayprogramme on May 29th.
His name appeared in three newspapers - the Guardian, the Timesand the Financial Times- on July 10th.
The Ministry of Defence press office adopted a policy of refusing to name Dr Kelly directly - but officials said they would confirm his identity if journalists could come up with the scientist's name.
This confirmation strategy was sanctioned by Mr Hoon and the top official in the MoD, permanent secretary Sir Kevin Tebbit, the Financial Timesreported today. The MoD refused to comment on the issue.
PA