HC Deb 11 May 1995 vol 259 c565W
Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what advice he gives to Departments concerning the training of persons with responsibility for assessing the historical significance of documents held in those Departments. [23180]

Mr. John M. Taylor

Guidance is issued by the Keeper of Public Records. Section 3(2) of the Public Records Act 1958 prescribes that every person responsible for public records shall perform his duties under such guidance, which is detailed in the Public Record Office's "Manual of Records Administration".

Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what special training is given to persons who have responsibility for assessing the historical significance of documents held by his Department. [23283]

Mr. John M. Taylor

Training in assessing the historical significance of departmental records is carried out under the guidance of the Keeper of Public Records. It is provided in a number of different ways, including courses on the appraisal of records and through conferences and seminars arranged by the Public Record Office.