Written question asked by Gerald Howarth (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 December 2004. It was answered by Ivor Caplin (Labour) on Thursday, 9 December 2004 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what effect asbestos contamination of his Department's files will have on access to those files under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Answer: Mr. Gerald Howarth: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what effect asbestos contamination of his Department's files will have on access to those files under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [199855] Mr. Caplin: The information contained in the files previously stored in an asbestos contaminated basement has been safeguarded. A project board has been set up to formalise the consideration of the options open to the Ministry of Defence whereby this information may be made accessible for both departmental use, to enable the Ministry of Defence to respond to requests under the Freedom of Information Act and to allow the normal transfer of records to the National Archives. However, in view of the nature of the hazard posed to those who are likely to come into contact with the files, there must be a strict health and safety regime in place. In the circumstances, requests for information from files affected will be temporarily deferred until a fully operational facility is in place for their safe handling.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 199855; 428 c687W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Access Asbestos Archives Contamination Freedom of information Ministry of Defence Departmental records
Legislation: Freedom of Information Act 2000
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk