§ Ms KeebleTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when he proposes to publish a policy statement on archives. [101475]
§ Mr. LockThe first ever Government policy on archives is published today. Copies of the report have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. The report is also available on the internet.
Archive services have both governmental and cultural functions. Effective records management is essential to good governance, and at the same time, our documentary heritage is a crucially important cultural asset. The revolution in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) gives the archives sector the opportunity to make major advances in both areas and to provide genuinely inclusive services to ethnic minorities, women and young people who are under-represented among archive users.
The policy document has been produced by all the Government Departments with a responsibility for archives. It is an example of how joined-up government works to good practical effect. It will provide a framework for future Government thinking and action on archival matters.