HL Deb 22 February 1996 vol 569 c83WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they accept the view of Lord Justice Scott (Scott Report vol. IV p. 1802, Section K5.8) that "the withholding of information by an accountable Minister should never he based on reasons of convenience or for the avoidance of political embarrassment, hut should always require special and carefully considered justification".

The Lord Privy Seal

Yes. Decisions to withhold or delay the release of information are taken alter careful assessment of the various considerations involved.