§ Mr. Newensasked the Attorney-General if he will make a statement on any changes which have been made in recent years in the lengths of time for which various categories of public records and documents are retained before being made available for public inspection and research; and if he will specify the types and categories of archives affected.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonSince 1973 the closed period of 100 years previously applied to many individual records and classes of records has been reduced to 75 years. The types and categories of records affected are mainly those the earlier disclosure of which would cause distress or embarrassment to living persons or their immediate descendants.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Attorney-General if he will indicate in detail the types and categories of public records and documents which are kept closed for periods of 100 years, for 30 years and for other periods, respectively.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonUnder the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967 most public records in the Public Record Office and other authorised places of deposit, other than those to which the public had access before their transfer, are closed to general public inspection for 30 years. The Lord Chancellor may, however, prescribe shorter or longer periods with the approval or at the request of the Minister or other person concerned.
The categories of records for which longer periods have been prescribed are the following: (1) exceptionally sensitive papers, the disclosure of which would be contrary to the public interest whether on security or other grounds, including the need to safeguard the Revenue; (2) documents containing information supplied in confidence, the disclosure of which would or might constitute a breach of faith and (3) documents containing information about individuals, the disclosure of which would cause distress or embarrassment to living persons or their immediate descendants.
Whilst the period prescribed will depend upon the circumstances of each individual case, periods of 75 and 100 years are for the most part prescribed only for docu 230W ments in the third category mentioned above.
§ Mr. Newensasked the Attorney-General how many persons since 1st January 1970 have applied for access to public documents and records not available for public inspection and research after being held for periods of longer than 30 years.
§ Mr. Arthur DavidsonThis information is not readily available. Access to the records of a Department which are not open to general public inspection is a matter for that Department.