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From: Avene O'Farrellf
Sent: Fri 09/10/2015
To: Tom Wechsler
Subject: FW: Update
fyi
Avene O’ Farrell
Executive Assistant
to the Chief Executive, Paula Vennells
Finsbury Dials
20 Finsbury Street
London, EC2Y 9AQ
From: Avene O'Farrell On Behalf Of Paula Vennells ¢
Sent: 09 October 2015 09:30 ;
To: Tim Parker
Cc: Jane MacLeod
Subject: Update
Dear Tim
While you have been away, two matters have arisen affecting Post Office which you should be aware of. I
am grateful to Jane for the following brief summary. We can discuss in more detail if you wish on Monday,
or if you have any queries in the meantime do contact me or Jane.
Sparrow
The Minister is under pressure to speak to various parties including representatives Second Sight (forensic
accountants) and Sir Anthony Hooper (former Chairman of the Working Group). We believe that as part of
your investigation you should meet with each of these parties, and we have therefore recommended to the
Minister that she should not meet with them until (at least) the conclusion of your enquiry. (I have a call
with her this morning and will recommend that she should await the conclusion of your enquiry before
deciding whether to meet with them.)
There are a number of reasons why we are reluctant for the Minister to speak to these parties (particularly
Second Sight) at this point:
By speaking to these parties, the Minister undermines the rationale for your own independent
investigation. Second Sight are active on social media and we believe that they would make public the fact of
any such meeting. This will only encourage expectation of some form of government intervention.
We now have the majority of outstanding (non-criminal) cases scheduled for mediation. Any expectation of
government intervention is likely to cause Applicants to withdraw from the mediation scheme.
I will send you an update after my call with the Minister and before we meet on Monday.
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Buzzfeed report on Lycamobile on Monday
We are continuing to monitor the story, investigate the background facts, and consider what impact similar
issues could have on future operations. I will keep you updated on the findings.
Regards,
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Paula