§ Q7. Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Prime Minister if he will introduce legislation to alter the 50-year rule governing the inspection of official records and documents.
§ Q8. Mr. Luardasked the Prime Minister when legislation will be introduced to amend the 50-year rule governing the opening of official records to public inspection.
§ The Prime MinisterThe House will recall that on 10th August last I announced inter party agreement with the Government's proposal to reduce the closed period from 50 to 30 years. I am happy to be able to tell the House that good progress is being made in preparing the necessary legislation which I hope it will be possible to introduce during the current Session of Parliament.