HL Deb 04 April 1985 vol 462 c428WA
Lord Allen of Abbeydale

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they now intend to revise the so-called declarations under the Official Secrets Act in the light of the criticisms made of them by the Franks Committee in 1972; or alternatively, to give up using them.

The Earl of Gowrie

Although the Franks Committee were critical of the drafting of the Official Secrets Act declarations, their report contained no specific proposals concerning these forms. The declarations are now being looked at as part of a major review of all administrative forms in Government, with the aim of reducing the number of forms wherever possible and making those that remain clearer and more intelligible.