Government Departments: Ministerial Papers

House of Lords written question – answered at on 13 November 2012.

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Photo of Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Lord Forsyth of Drumlean Conservative

To ask Her Majesty's Government what guidance they provide to departments on the acceptable length of time from initial request to provide access to papers for former ministers; and whether that guidance is adhered to.

To ask Her Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the arrangements for informing ministers in advance of the release of ministerial papers to the media.

Photo of Lord Gardiner of Kimble Lord Gardiner of Kimble Lord in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

It is the long-standing convention that former Ministers are allowed reasonable access to the papers of the period when they were in office. It is for individual departments to process such requests from former Ministers.

As a matter of courtesy when releasing papers that relate to former Ministers personally, such as in response Freedom of Information requests, former Ministers should normally be informed of the intention to do so.

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