§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Prime Minister if she will review the records held in the public record office but which are not open to inspection because they are either retained under section 3(4), or closed under section 5(1) of the Public Records Act; and if she will consider whether there is any further need for records which are over 40 years old to be restricted in this manner.
§ The Prime MinisterNo. The retention of records under section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958 or closure under section 5(1) is subject to the approval of the Lord Chancellor. There are several categories of records which retain their sensitivity under established criteria for more than 40 years.