30/07/2011 BBC Weekend News

Simply not good enough, the head of the tax office HMRC apologises to

customers for failings in its service. It follows a damning

report by MPs that highlighted huge delays and poor performance.

First phones, now computers. Scotland Yard confirms it is

investigating allegations of e-mail hacking.

And the Queen's granddaughter, Zara Phillips, marries her fiance Mike

Tindall at a private ceremony in Good evening. The head of the tax

office has apologised to customers after a admitting that their

surface simply was not good enough. It comes after damning report by

MPs identified a series of failings at HMRC including unanswered phone

calls and letters. More now from Joe Lynam.

We do not like paying tax at the best of times but when we have to,

we expect the taxman to provide a good service when he is taking our

money. Ian has been trying to sort out his pension since last October.

I did not receive a reply until February. They ask for further

information. I provided a response within a day or so. I heard no more

from them and wrote to them again in April asking for a response to

my letter. I am still waiting for a reply. Ian is one of the thousands

who have had a poor experience with HMRC. That is why MPs are so angry

with the taxman. The Treasury Select Committee said that there

Select Committee said that there They are moving away from their

customers, making their customers fit them rather than benefit the

customer. They are treating the customer, the taxpayer, often

vulnerable taxpayers, very badly. And the people who run HMRC are

contrite, saying that a new IT system did not help last year.

We're not happy with our performance in 2010. But we are

getting on with trying to improve it. 2011, or most of the issues

they have raised, we have improved performance. In an attempt to

improve customer service, HMRC has hired 1000 extra staff. They have

been chasing down tax avoiders. But it is the day-to-day dealings with

ordinary taxpayers which will matter the most for its reputation.

President Obama has again urged democratic and Republican leaders

to reach an agreement which will prevent the Government from running

out of money to pay its bills. The US Congress has until Tuesday to

agree on how to increase the country's current debt limit. The

latest from Washington. When are we at? I think Ferrari couple of

things going on. On the one hand, we have this stand-off between the

Republican-controlled House of Representatives and the democratic

control Senate. Lots of competing bills and efforts to block bills.

Lots of acrimonious talk and grandstanding. Meanwhile, the real

business of striking a deal and ending the crisis is, we believe,

going on, probably involving senior Republicans and Democrats. At some

stage, almost certainly, it will involve the White House. There is

common ground on the need to raise the debt ceiling and cut government

spending. It will be up to those leaders, and with the involvement

of the White House, to do a deal before we reach Tuesday. Otherwise,

presumably, it will already be having an effect. It is. Wall

Street had its worst week for idea. Generally speaking, there markets

have been fairly sanguine. There has been no precipitous drop.

People are wondering if we might be in for a repeat in the situation

from September 2008 when Congress initially refused to pass the bank

bail-out and the markets went into freefall. No one is talking about

default at this stage. That is not going to happen on Tuesday. It

means that if a deal is not done, the Treasury will have to start

making some difficult decisions about what it can and what it

cannot pay for. Thank you very much. The Metropolitan police have

confirmed that they are investigating claims of computer

hacking as well as phone hacking by newspapers. Officers will consider

breach of privacy allegations received since January, and it is

believed the inquiry began as a result of a Panorama programme in

March. This report contains flash photography.

Operation Tuleta has been running for some time as a scoping inquiry.

To investigate the possible extent of computer hacking. It is regarded

as a more serious effect -- in more as a more serious effect -- in more

serious offence than phone hacking. But -- if it is tourism related,

you get more than five years. are more serious offences. The

penalty for phone hacking, is two years. It is understood the police

investigation began after Panorama presenter this man with evidence

that his e-mails had been hacked. He is Ian Hurst, a former army

intelligence officer, who was running IRA informers in Ireland.

can tell you that the hair on the back of my head is up. I can tell

you that somebody has a problem, because this has come from... This

has been unlawfully accessed. Panorama said that the males were

retained by the News of the World's former Irish editor. -- their e-

mails. I would like to talk to you about computer hacking. He has

always denied the allegations against him. He told the BBC Today

that he had nothing more to save. News International declined to

comment. In a separate development, the former News of the World

journalist has told the BBC that at least 44 members of staff may seek

damages, saying their career prospects were harmed by the

management of the business. They are currently getting legal advice.

Libyan rebels are claiming that the murder of their military commander,

General Abdel Fattah Younes, was carried out by members of an

Islamist-linked militia. There has been confusion over who was behind

the killing of the rebel leader. Colonel Gaddafi's regime claimed

the murder proves that the rebels are incapable of running the

country. The Queen's granddaughter, Zara

Phillips has married Mike Tindall in Edinburgh. Crowds gathered

outside Canongate Kirk hoping to catch a glimpse of the happy couple.

The Queen and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among guests

attending. Our Scotland correspondent is in Edinburgh.

streets in this part of Edinburgh are extremely narrow. The numbers

of well-wishers were restricted but in the end, thousands turned out to

enjoy the sunshine and a sense of occasion. For those with the best

position, perhaps a chance to see for themselves the bride and groom.

The first glimpse of the royal bride. Zara Phillips as tradition

dictates, starting her journey a few minutes late. This the first

royal wedding in Scotland for almost 20 years. Among guests

invited to the near by Kirk, Sir Jackie Stuart and the England rugby

coach Martin Johnson. The groom, Mike Tindall, arrived suitably

early. Dressed in a morning suit and showing no signs of nerves.

Joining stars from the world of sport, members of the Royal Family.

Princess Anne, the Queen and Prince Philip. And some of the biggest

cheers for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, William and Catherine,

and Prince Harry. But this was the day when their cousin, Zara

Phillips, known for her down-to- earth, low-key style, stepped into

the spotlight. Her ivory gown by Stuart Parvin, the tiara lent to

her by her mother. The crowds were not disappointed. The atmosphere

out here is lovely. It is Super to be here. Fabulous. To have a royal

wedding in Edinburgh, to actually experienced it, I think it is

something that I had to do. ceremony was private, but as the

newly weds emerged, they gave their first public kiss as a married

couple. -- newlyweds. Then they headed to the nearby Holyrood

Palace for an evening of celebration.

More details are emerging of what the future will hold for Zara

Phillips and Mike Tindall. It is not their honeymoon is to be

delayed because of sporting commitments. Zara Phillips has said

she will keep her maiden name as well. As for those many thousands

who have queued up this afternoon, they are now being allowed to see

inside the church. The ceremony itself was private.

Thank you very much. Cricket, and England have been fighting back in

the second Test against England at -- against India at Trent Bridge.