Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for what reasons and on what authority the notebook containing the manuscript In Excelsis was released for public inspection before the expiration of the 100 year limit. - Inc ref to Section 5(1) Public Records Act 1958.

Answer: Mr. Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons and on what authority the notebook containing the manuscript "In Excelsis" was released for public inspection before the expiration of the 100 year limit. [30786] Mr. Michael: The notebook containing the manuscript of the poem "In Excelsis" forms part of a Home Office file, H0144/21591. The decision to open the file, which had previously been marked for closure until 2043, was taken in the interests of open government, following a request from a member of the public. The authority for the opening of the file is contained in a Lord Chancellor's Instrument made under section 5(1) of the Public Records Act 1958.

Secondary information