The Law Society said it was 'monitoring developments' in relation to an Italian corruption investigation into the husband of culture minister Tessa Jowell this week - though it made it clear that David Mills is not under investigation by the Society.

Mr Mills, founder of Mills Saint James in London, denies claims by the Italian prosecuting authorities that he was paid £344,000 to give false testimony in court for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. No charges have been brought.


Mr Mills told the Gazette: 'I have said to the Society that I will keep them informed of any material developments, and I will continue to do that. I do not propose to make any more comments on the drip-drip of bits of evidence [about the case]. But I am absolutely certain that the case will finish in my favour.'


Mr Berlusconi has denied the allegation.


Mr Mills set up a company in 1980 to handle film rights for Mr Berlusconi's television stations. Mr Mills was called as a prosecution witness in two corruption trials against Mr Berlusconi in 1997 and 1998. Mr Berlusconi was convicted in both cases, but later acquitted on appeal.