MPs are set to question the head of the civil service on whistleblowers and civil servants who leak government information.

Cabinet secretary Sir Gus O’Donnell is to appear before a select committee later this week as they conduct an inquiry into Whitehall leaks, it was announced on Tuesday.

The Commons public administration committee’s investigation comes after Chris Galley, a 26-year-old civil servant, was arrested on suspicion of leaking a number of embarrassing stories to shadow immigration minister Damian Green, who was also arrested.

The MP’s arrest has caused a storm amongst his colleagues, who have defended the right of MPs to receive leaked material.

Senior officials, including Sir Gus and FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume, have already spoken out to condemn leaks, reminding officials that there were proper channels for those with concerns about their work.

Tony Wright, the select committee chairman who will lead the inquiry, said it would be concerned with the broader issue of leaks, rather than focusing on a single specific incident.

He added: “As I said earlier this week, PASC is well-placed to give detailed consideration to the whole issue of how Whitehall deals with leaks and other unauthorised releases of information, and how a balance can be struck with public interest considerations in relation to leaks and whistleblowing.”

Sir Gus, who is due to answer questions on Thursday, would be able to answer some of those questions, he added.