§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will list those countries of the European Union that do not release state papers until a specified period has elapsed; and if he will give the period in each case. [2720]
§ Mr. Jonathan EvansThe definition of "state papers" differs throughout the European Union, as do the periods for which such papers are withheld. The different provisions in the 12 then member states are set out in chapter 4 of the 1994 report of the group of experts on the co-ordination of archives,"Archives in the European Union".Copies of the report are available in the Libraries of both Houses.