Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 1 July 1997. It was answered by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour) on Tuesday, 1 July 1997 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Question: If he will review public access to those communications sent directly to the Sovereign from other heads of state relating to the political relations between the country concerned and the United Kingdom.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will review public access to those communications sent directly to the Sovereign from other Heads of State relating to the political relations between the country concerned and the United Kingdom. [5712] Mr. David Clark: Communications about political matters from Heads of State to the Sovereign are referred to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and therefore come within the ambit of the Public Records Acts. The forthcoming White Paper on Freedom of Information will address the issue of public access to all types of government records.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5712; 297 c89W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Foreign policy Heads of state Foreign relations Public records Monarchy