Mark Hurd implicated in HP spying row

Leaked emails suggest that Mark Hurd may have known what HP was planning

HP chief executive Mark Hurd has been drawn into the row over the company's investigative tactics after internal emails showed that he may have known what HP was planning.

Press reports quote internal emails that include Hurd's email address and indicate that he may have known of the plan.

The Washington Post reported that it had seen emails allegedly outlining a plan to trick a reporter into revealing her sources.

Even though none of the emails comes from Hurd himself, his inclusion in the list of recipients may indicate that he knew the operation was going ahead and that he approved of it.

HP shares fell more than five per cent on the news. Hurd has scheduled a press conference for later today to discuss the case and reveal details of HP's internal investigations.

Hurd has also agreed to testify next week at a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing about the scandal, before which outgoing HP chairwoman Patricia Dunn will also appear.