Files (Disposal)

HC Deb 24 November 1992 vol 214 cc648-9W

Mr. Hain

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence for how many years his Department holds files before shredding or other means of disposal.

Mr. Archie Hamilton

The retention and disposal of Ministry of Defence files are governed by the requirement of the Public Records Acts of 1958 and 1967. Files are reviewed at various stages after closure, in the light of their possible administrative or historical value, and those which are not selected for ultimate permanent preservation at the Public Record Office may be destroyed almost immediately or held for periods up to 85 years, depending upon their content and continued departmental utility.