Written question asked by Jacqui Lait (Conservative) on Wednesday, 27 January 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 29 January 2010. It was answered by Jack Straw (Labour) on Wednesday, 3 February 2010 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

David Kelly Death Inquiry

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice for what reasons certain papers submitted to Lord Hutton's inquiry into the death of Dr. David Kelly are not to be disclosed until 70 years have elapsed.

Answer: No determination has been made that the medical reports and photographs connected to the death of Dr. David Kelly should be closed for 70 years. Rather, Lord Hutton noted in his statement on Tuesday 26 January that he had requested that the post mortem examination report relating to Dr. Kelly not be disclosed for 70 years in view of the distress that could be caused to Dr. Kelly's wife and daughters.The Ministry of Justice is now considering carefully the most appropriate course of action.

Secondary information