HC Deb 01 February 1995 vol 253 cc712-3W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster whether he will make available documentation in its original form in instances where information is released under the code of practice on access to government information.

Mr. Robert G. Hughes

There is no commitment that pre-existing documents, as distinct from information, will be made available, but paragraph 52 of the guidance on the code of practice statesRequests for information should be met in the simplest, most cost-effective way. This will usually be by letter giving the information requested […] There may be occasions on which it is appropriate to send photocopies—for example of a letter which has been published or a factual record …