Ministry of Defence: Public Records
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, to what matters do the documents which have been closed to the public for 100 years in each of the last ten years relate.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones
The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Over the last ten years, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has closed certain records for extended periods, including 100 years, where it is assessed that disclosure would give rise to specific risks or sensitivities relating to personal information, and/or material, the disclosure of which could adversely affect the physical or mental health or safety of MOD personnel and third parties. This includes information provided in confidence in the context of legal proceedings, including Courts Martial and Service Inquiries, and, where applicable, information falling within relating to communications with His Majesty, the Royal Family or the Royal Household.
Extended closure periods are applied in accordance with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. In particular, exemptions under section 37, section 38 (Health and Safety), section 40 (Personal Information), section 41 (Information Provided in Confidence), and section 37(1)(a) (communications with His Majesty, the Royal Family or the Royal Household) are engaged where disclosure could endanger individuals or where the material contains personal data, the release of which would be unlawful or inappropriate, where information was obtained in circumstances giving rise to a duty of confidence, or where it relates to protected Royal communications.
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