Labour deputy leader Tom Watson called to give evidence to Home Affairs

A senior Scotland Yard officer has written to Brittan’s widow to apologise for failing to tell the Tory peer that he had been cleared before he died.

Tory MPs cried “shame” in the Commons yesterday as Mr Watson said they – not he – should examine their consciences.

Chair of the committee Keith Vaz said the evidence session in “intended as a continuation of the regular series of very helpful regular updates which the Committee received from the Metropolitan Police in the last Parliament and to hear evidence on a particular case”.

The quizzing of Mr Watson is expected to last approximately 30 minutes.

“Lord Brittan was interviewed by the MPS before the CPS had forwarded the correspondence from Mr Watson”.

Speaking after Mr Watson’s statement, Sir Samuel said Mr Watson should “apply for a job as steward of the Chilterns hundreds” – the Parliamentary language for resigning from the Commons.

“I don’t think he knew anything about my brother”.

“I hope I am wrong, but in my view the case demands your personal attention”.

Police were investigating an allegation that Brittan had raped a 19-year-old female student in 1967. Brittan was interviewed by Met detectives on 30 May.

The MP wrote to the Director of Public Prosecutions Alison Saunders, asking her that the proper procedures be followed. Lord Brittan denied knowing the woman.

“It is for the police to decide whether or not, or how, they will investigate an allegation that is referred to them”.

Today, it has been revealed the MP and the Met Police will be summoned to discuss how the investigation into Lord Brittan. Police then questioned Brittan, who served under Conservative prime minister Margaret Thatcher in numerous ministerial roles, but decided not to charge the 75-year-old. Appeals are being made to Prime Minister David Cameron by his father.

Mr Watson rejected calls to step down as deputy leader, telling Channel 4: ‘Absolutely not.

And despite apologising for repeating a claim that Lord Brittan was “close to evil”, he insisted it was his “duty” to pass evidence from alleged victims to prosecutors.

‘And it hasn’t got out of hand just because people in high places are scared.

Addressing Cameron’s comments, he said the survivors of abuse had been ignored and belittled for too long.

‘That’s the real scandal here. Well, I think we all need to examine our consciences in this house.

Mr Watson accused ministers of ignoring his earlier attempts to shine a light on the matter and suggested this had resulted in another child suffering sexual abuse at the institution.