Senior anti-corruption officers with the police will be among the witnesses giving evidence at an inquiry into private investigators launched by MPs.

The House of Commons Home Affairs Select Committee has confirmed that it would begin a series of hearings focusing on the issue on Tuesday, February 7.

Witnesses at the opening session include Information Commissioner Christopher Graham and representative from private investigator trade associations.

Mr Graham recently gave evidence to the Leveson Inquiry about the issue.

Roy Clark, a former Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and Peter Spindler, a serving Commander with the Force, are also among the witnesses.

Committee Chair Keith Vaz said: “High profile events, such as the phone hacking scandal, have thrown light on the sometimes shady world of private investigators. Despite this the industry still remains entirely unregulated.

“We look forward to questioning the Information Commissioner about his position on regulation, and the way in which his Office handles those who break the law.

“We hope to discover the full extent of the activities of private investigators and to decide whether the public, as well as the reputable side of the industry, should be protected by a regime of statutory regulation.”