Lord Hutton is chairing the inquiry into Dr Kelly's death

The visit, which mirrors one made by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon earlier in the week, comes as Lord Hutton prepares to chair the inquiry into the scientist's apparent suicide.

A spokesman for the inquiry told the BBC Lord Hutton wanted to meet Dr Kelly's widow Janice, and other close family members to explain to them how the inquiry would function. He did not take evidence from them.

Meanwhile churches across the country are considering making a unusual tribute to the scientist on the morning of his funeral.

Following the lead of Shrewsbury Abbey, several are planning to toll a bell on the as yet unannounced morning.

Dr Kelly was found dead last Friday in a wood near to his Oxfordshire home, after being named as a source for a BBC story on the government's Iraq dossier.

Broadcast appeal

It has emerged that two media companies are to urge Lord Hutton to have his inquiry broadcast in full.

ITN and Sky News will ask the chairman of the inquiry to reverse his ban on the grounds the hearings will be of national and historical importance.

After his death, Dr Kelly was named by the BBC as the source for reports claiming the government "sexed up" a dossier on Iraq's weapons.

The corporation has declined to join the action, arguing that as an interested party it should not put itself in conflict with Lord Hutton from the start.

But the BBC says it will broadcast the proceedings if the application by Sky and ITN is successful.

'No threats'

The secretary to the inquiry, Lee Hughes, said only Lord Hutton's opening and closing statements would be televised.

But most of the inquiry's sessions will be open to the public and media - except for those where Dr Kelly's family are being questioned.

MoD defends Kelly dealings

The inquiry's preliminary hearings begin next week at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Then Lord Hutton is expected to adjourn proceedings for about 10 days, to read written submissions from interested parties including Downing Street, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the BBC.

Mr Hughes said transcripts of all witness evidence would be released "almost immediately".

Earlier on Friday, the MoD denied it had threatened the scientist with action under the Official Secrets Act or the loss of his pension.

Mr Kelly had told his employer he had briefed BBC journalists.

But a strongly-worded MoD statement dismissed "inaccurate media speculation" about his treatment.

After his identity was made public, Dr Kelly told the foreign affairs committee he did not think he had been the BBC's main source.

Mr Blair's director of communications Alastair Campbell has come under increasing scrutiny for his role in preparing the dossier.

BBC political editor Andrew Marr says Mr Campbell has told the prime minister he plans to resign.

But Downing Street dismissed this report as "wishful thinking".