HC Deb 10 May 1977 vol 931 c446W
58. Mr. Palmer

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why all documents involving pneumoconiosis claims are destroyed five years after the death of the person concerned.

Mr. Orme

A balance has to be struck between storage consideration and the possibility of papers being required, exceptionally, long after a person's death. A period of five years seems from experience to strike a reasonable balance.