Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 30 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 December 2004. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 20 December 2004 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will list the criteria used to decide which documents and files should be shredded; and what mechanism exists to ensure that documents and files are not destroyed for other reasons.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the criteria used to decide which documents and files should be shredded; and what mechanism exists to ensure that documents and files are not destroyed for other reasons. [202096] Alun Michael: Defra keeps records for as long as they are needed for administrative and business purposes. Records of enduring historical value are selected for permanent preservation under the guidance and supervision of the National Archives "on the basis of guidelines which are published on the National Archives website at: http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records management/advice/".

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 202096; 428 c1346W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Documents Government departments Public records Waste disposal Departmental records
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk