Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 15 May 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 22 May 2002. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 May 2002 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department, how many and what percentage of records eligible for release in 2001 under the 30 year rule were withheld; and for what reasons these were withheld, broken down by category of exemption. - Inc figures.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many and what percentage of records eligible for release in 2001 under the 30-year rule were withheld; and for what reasons these were withheld, broken down by category of exemption. [57665] Ms Rosie Winterton: The number of records accessioned by the PRO in 2001 but subject to extended closure is estimated at 2,300, about four per cent. of the total. Of those records subject to extended closure, the percentages falling within the following broad categories of extended closure is as follows: National security and defence--7 per cent. Non-proliferation of nuclear weapons--13 per cent. International relations--15 per cent. Information given in confidence--8 per cent. Substantial distress (including endangerment to individuals)-- 57 per cent.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 57665; 386 c416-7W;386 c416W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Access Disclosure of information Exemptions Public records Public Record Office
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk