The SDLP has called for an inquiry into how confidential documents sent to the North's Environment Minister, Lord Dubs, appear to have fallen into the hands of the DUP.
An SDLP councillor, Mr Dougie Hegney, said: "I was dismayed and angered when I was informed that Peter Robinson from the DUP claimed at a Castlereagh Council meeting last week that he had details of a confidential correspondence between Lord Dubs and myself."
Mr Hegney said he had written to Lord Dubs demanding an investigation. He said the matter raised serious concerns about the neutrality of some civil servants.
It was even more serious "as we are in the period of political transition with the new Assembly". The Department of the Environment is awaiting full details from Mr Hegney before proceeding with its investigation.