Tripartite Security Working Group

HC Deb 08 June 1982 vol 25 cc52-3W

Mr. Whitehead

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will place the documents which relate to the tripartite security working group in 1951 in the Public Record Office; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Pym

The records have been retained by the Department which holds them in accordance with the general approval given by the then Lord Chancellor in 1967, under the proviso to section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958, whereby Departments may retain sensitive records related to security and intelligence matters. No decision has yet been taken on the period of closure.