"Like the Prime Minister, the defence secretary is ready to give evidence to Lord Hutton in public at the earliest opportunity," the ministry said in a communique.

Earlier on Tuesday, British Prime Minister Tony Blair denied that he had personally approved the naming of defence expert David Kelly as the source of allegations that his government exaggerated the case for war against Iraq.

News of the discovery of Kelly's body last Friday sent shock waves through political circles in Britain and prompted the media to ask who was to blame for the way the scientist was "outed" as a suspected mole.

The enquiry by Brian Hutton, a senior judge or law lord, was announced by Blair later the same day.

Police believe Kelly bled to death from a slash in his left wrist. A knife and painkillers were found near his body at a countryside beauty spot.

The Financial Times reported Tuesday that Hoon had personally authorised a media strategy allowing Kelly to be named as the main source for a story by BBC reporter Andrew Gilligan.

Since Kelly's death, the BBC has confirmed that he was indeed the main source for the story.

In Tuesday's statement, the defence ministry added: "Geoff Hoon and MOD officials will then set out the approach taken by the department after Dr Kelly came forward and admitted to his meeting with Andrew Gilligan."

WAR.WIRE