Mr Thompson was making his final appearance before the House of Commons Culture Select Committee before stepping down as director general later this year.
After George Entwistle's appearance before the Commons Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, Culture Secretary Maria Miller wrote to Lord Patten to express concerns about how public confidence in the BBC could be affected.
Following the House of Commons Treasury Select Committee's lamentable performance in questioning Bob Diamond last week, few expect this week's appearance by Mr. Tucker to provide clear answers to the questions over the role of officials.