Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 December 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 December 2010. It was answered by Lord Herbert of South Downs (Conservative) on Monday, 13 December 2010 on behalf of the Home Office.

Industrial Disputes: Shrewsbury

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will publish the documents held by her Department relating to the 1972 Shrewsbury Picket dispute.

Answer: As departmental records approach 30 years of age, they are reviewed by the Home Office and agreement is reached with The National Archives (TNA) as to which are worthy of permanent preservation. Files on industrial action, and the regulation of strikes and picketing during the early 1970's, which have been selected, have been reviewed and transferred to TNA. Other relevant files have been examined but no records specific to the 1972 Shrewsbury Picket dispute have been identified. As the Department has no documents relating to this dispute there is nothing that can be published.

Secondary information