HC Deb 09 December 1969 vol 793 cc106-7W
Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will give an assurance that no public documents and records are withheld from public inspection and research for more than 30 years for reasons of political and administrative expediency.

Mr. Callaghan

I cannot give an assurance in such general terms.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what public documents and records have been withheld from public inspection and research for periods relatively longer than was normal for similar categories of records and documents prior to the introduction of the 30-years' rule.

Mr. Callaghan

None.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which records of the Metropolitan Police Force are not open for public inspection and research after the passage of 30 years; and which records have been withheld from public inspection for periods longer than was normal for similar categories of records and documents prior to the introduction of the 30-years' rule.

Mr. Callaghan

Records of individual criminal cases and court proceedings; papers containing information about persons or organisations disclosure of which might cause embarrassment or distress to living persons together with papers bearing on security; and police orders are not open for inspection after 30 years.

The answer to the second part is "None".

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons have applied during the course of the last five years for access to records not available for public inspection and research; and how many of these applications have been approved.

Mr. Callaghan

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a detailed list of the various categories of documents and records of his Department which are not made available for public i nspection and research after the passage of 30 years.

Mr. Callaghan

I cannot add to the information given in the published guide to the contents of the Public Record Office.

Mr. Newens

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will provide a detailed list of the various types of public documents and records preserved in category H.O.144.

Mr. Callaghan

No.