Bertha McDougall was appointed interim victims commissioner

Peter Scott QC's report which runs to over 100 pages found no evidence that would warrant a police investigation.

However, it found serious shortcomings in the government's handling of a Freedom of Information request.

The request came from the solicitors acting for Brenda Downes, who sought a judicial review of the appointment.

The report made a number of recommendations to change how such requests are handled.

Mrs Downes went to the High Court in January 2006 to challenge Mrs McDougall's appointment, made by former NI Secretary Peter Hain.

Mr Justice Girvan called for an inquiry and said the commissioner's appointment was "motivated by improper purpose".

Mr Scott was named to investigate the appointment.

On Wednesday, NI Secretary Shaun Woodward said the government would study Mr Scott's report "very carefully".

'Whitewash'

"I am pleased that Mr Scott has concluded that there was no intention on the part of individuals to mislead or obstruct the court.

"The integrity of all the officials concerned has been vindicated." Mr Woodward said.

Mr Hain, who is now Secretary of State for Wales and Work and Pensions welcomed the report.

"At all times I and my officials acted with complete integrity in this matter and I am pleased that this thorough review has confirmed this," he said.

However, Mrs Downes had been critical of the inquiry and had unsuccessfully sought a judicial review of how it was being conducted.