§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 January 1998,Official Report, column 520, on Security Service files, what central guidance on the preservation of records of likely historical interest is currently being given to the Director General of the Security Service in addition to the requirements of the Public Records Act 1958. [25438]
§ Mr. StrawThe Security Service seeks guidance from the Public Record Office (PRO) as it deems necessary. The PRO has recently approved the criteria used by the Service in identifying records of historical interest.
§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 20 January 1998,Official Report, columns 519–20, whether individuals who were or later became hon. Members and/or Ministers will automatically have their Security Service files preserved in accordance with the criteria that they were individuals involved in important historical events. [25439]
§ Mr. StrawAs I made clear in my reply of 20 January 1998Official Report, columns 519–20, each file reviewed by the Security Service is examined individually and considered on its merits against the criteria currently in force.