LONDON, Feb 1: In a stunning disclosure on Thursday Prime Minister Tony Blair’s official spokesman disclosed that Mr Blair was questioned by police last Friday for a second time over cash-for-honours allegations.

The prime minister was questioned for under an hour by officers without a lawyer and not under caution, but the police had requested an initial news blackout.

Mr Blair's original interview in December was the first time a serving prime minister had been quizzed by the police.

Scotland Yard later said it had requested the news blackout for operational reasons, and that the interview had been to "clarify points emerging from the ongoing investigation".

Today's news follows the re-arrest this week of Lord Levy, the PM's personal envoy to the Middle East and Labour's chief fundraiser, on suspicion of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

Lord Levy has denied any wrongdoing, and has been released on bail.

Last month Downing Street aide Ruth Turner was arrested, on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. She was released on bail, and Mr Blair expressed his full confidence in her. Observers believe the investigation is reaching ahead.

The original allegations centred on some Labour lenders who gave millions to the party before the 2005 general election and were subsequently recommended for honours.

The Liberal Democrats, who earlier this week said the saga now had a "whiff of Watergate" about it, said: "It is clear that this inquiry is going to haunt Tony Blair throughout his last months in office and beyond.

About 90 people have been interviewed so far. Four people have been arrested - Lord Levy, Downing Street adviser Ruth Turner, Labour donor Sir Christopher Evans and head teacher Des Smith, who was involved in the government's City Academy programme.