Red tape could delay questioning of McCanns until after Christmas

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Portuguese detectives are ready to fly to the UK and have prepared letters with questions the couple and their seven holiday friends must answer.

It had been thought the interviews by British police with Portuguese officers sitting in could begin this week.

But they are being held up by a mass of red tape.

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Suspects: Gerry and Kate McCann face further questioning by British police

The questions must be approved by the Portuguese public prosecutor, who will spend a week considering possible changes.

They will then go to the investigating judge for authorisation before being translated.

Finally, the questions must be approved by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

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Missing: Madeleine McCann disappeared on May 3

The McCanns and their friends insist they have nothing to hide and are ready to be questioned about the night of 3, when Madeleine, four, vanished from the Ocean Club complex in Praia da Luz.

Gerry and Kate, both 39-year-old doctors from Rothley, Leicestershire, are still 'arguidos', or formal suspects.