§ Q13. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Prime Minister what are the exceptions to the 30-year rule now governing the publication of Cabinet and State papers; what are the reasons for such exceptions; and whether he is satisfied with the new period of secrecy.
§ The Prime MinisterI would refer the hon. Member to the speeches of my right hon. Friend the Attorney-General during the passage of the Public Records Act, 1967, through this House last year and of my right hon. Friend the Lord Chancellor during the passage of the same Act through another place. The Answer to the last part of the hon. Member's Question is "Yes".—[Vol. 749, c. 25;House of Lords; Vol. 282, c. 1655.]