Google's tax affairs: the players and questions they need to answer

Following much criticised 130m settlement, company's representatives and HMRC chief can expect tough time before public accounts committee

Google's tax affairs will be scrutinised by MPs on Thursday as the internet search engine company answers questions about its 130m settlement with HM Revenue & Customs. The California-based company will be represented by the head of its European operations, Matt Brittin, and its head of international tax, Tom Hutchinson.

They will be joined in front of the public accounts committee by HMRC's chief executive, Lin Homer, who can also expect a tough hearing over the deal, which has been criticised by politicians, trade unions, tax campaigners and business leaders including Rupert Murdoch.