§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Prime Minister if he will make a statement about the operation of his Department's sensitive documents unit; how many staff are employed in its operation; and approximately how many documents per annum come within its purview.
§ The Prime MinisterThe Prime Minister's records are reviewed for any continuing sensitivy 29 years after their creation. Approximately 42 linear feet of records are reviewed each year, by a part-time member of my staff, in accordance with the guidelines contained in chapter 9 of the "Open Government" White Paper—Cm 2290. About 4 per cent. of the records reviewed are retained and these are subject to regular re-review.