Gompertz said the mere issuing of a statement intensified the media hunt for Gilligan's source: "We have evidence from Mr. Norton-Taylor of the Guardian. He said that it whetted his appetite, which I have no doubt is substantial. Did that occur to you?"
Hoon: "I recognize that the issuing of a statement was likely to lead to journalists wanting even more than they had previously to identify Andrew Gilligan's source ... I accept that this was bound to increase their enthusiasm for making that identification."
Hoon accused Gompertz of misleading the defense ministry's head of news when he cross-examined her last week.
Gompertz accused the government of a "conspiracy" in wanting Kelly outed.
Hoon said he played no part in preparing the dossier, but admitted agreeing that Kelly's name would be confirmed.
Hoon admitted that the answers to some of those questions "might have assisted journalists." The inquiry has heard evidence that appearing in public before members of parliament placed added pressure on Kelly before his apparent suicide.
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