Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 July 1997. It was answered by John Battle (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 July 1997 on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry.

Dept of Trade and Industry

Question: Pursuant to her Answer of 15th July, Official Report, column 140, under what categories of Part 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information she has decided not to release the 1952 Atomic Energy Board (minutes and papers). - (Holding answer 22 July 1997).

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the President of the Board of Trade, pursuant to her answer of 15 July, Official Report, column 140, under what categories of part 2 of the code of practice on access to government information she has decided not to release the 1952 Atomic Energy Board minutes and papers. [9954] Mr. Battle: [holding answer 22 July 1997]: The 1952 Atomic Energy Board minutes and papers are being retained under the provisions of section 3(4) of the Public Records Act 1958. The code of practice on access to government information provides access rights to official information. The code does not provide an access right to documents nor is it intended to override statutory provisions on access to public records. A request for information contained in many of the 1952 Atomic Energy Board minutes and papers would have to be refused under exemption 1 in part 2 of the code.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9954; 298 c673W;298 c671W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Disclosure of information Documents Nuclear power Non-departmental public bodies Public records Atomic Energy Board