Stephen Byers' former media chief is free to speak about the spin row which plagued the transport department, the government has confirmed.

Martin Sixsmith was believed to have agreed to remain silent in return for a �180,000 severance payment after he resigned.

But a statement released from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott's department on Saturday insisted there was no truth in the reports.

This means Mr Sixsmith can speak to an inquiry into the role of special advisers launched this week by Sir Nigel Wicks's Committee on Standards in Public Life.

Speaking on Sunday on BBC One's Breakfast with Frost programme, Mr Prescott said: "There is nothing in the agreement that prevents you actually going before the committee that has requested to see him."

But he added: "Of course, he has entered into a contract agreement on this matter and he will have to take that into account."

Resignations

Mr Prescott's department has dismissed suggestions the severance payment was withheld from Mr Sixsmith to ensure his silence.

"There is nothing whatsoever in that agreement which prevents Martin Sixsmith from appearing before the Wicks Committee," the statement said.

"Contrary to continuing reports, the payment due to Mr Sixsmith has been paid."

The controversy which led to three resignations at the transport department began with a notorious e-mail sent from Mr Byers' special adviser, Ms Moore.

Moore won notoriety for her 11 September email

She suggested the 11 September terror attacks made it a good day to "bury" bad news - that e-mail was leaked.

She hung on to her job but finally had to resign following reports that Mr Sixsmith intervened to prevent a similar recurrence on the day of Princess Margaret's funeral.

The then transport secretary, Mr Byers, announced Mr Sixsmith had also resigned.

But officials had not received it in writing yet.

Angered by the early release of the news Mr Sixsmith refused to go.

Mr Byers could not shake off suggestions he had 'misled' the House of Commons and was eventually forced to resign last month.