Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Friday, 8 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 October 2004. It was answered by Chris Leslie (Labour) on Thursday, 14 October 2004 on behalf of the Department for Constitutional Affairs.

Dept for Constitutional Affairs

Question: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what records are retained that are (a) open to and (b) withheld from public inspection as to (i) the facilities that were extended by the Government to Anthony Blunt in order that he could fulfill his mission to Germany in 1945 at the request of HM King George VI and (ii) the purpose of that visit as understood by Her Majesty's Government at that time; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Andrew Mackinlay: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what records are retained that are (a) open to and (b) withheld from public inspection as to (i) the facilities that were extended by the Government to Anthony Blunt in order that he could fulfil his mission to Germany in 1945 at the request of HM King George VI and (ii) the purpose of that visit as understood by Her Majesty's Government at that time; and if he will make a statement. [190431] Mr. Leslie: A search of the National Archives' catalogue, which is publicly available on the internet, does not reveal any records relating to a visit to Germany made by Anthony Blunt in 1945. Neither is there a reference to the visit in the extensive index to Foreign Office papers available in the reading rooms at the National Archives. I am not aware of any other material held by Government Departments on this matter.

Secondary information