National Archives
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30-year rule review - independent consultation launched

The Prime Minister announced on 25 October that he has commissioned a review of when historical records are transferred to The National Archives and largely opened to public access. This currently happens 30 years after an event, and the Prime Minister's review will look at whether this period should be reduced.

Any changes in this area could have the effect of speeding up access to many records. The Prime Minister has asked Paul Dacre, Editor in Chief of Associated Newspapers and member of the Press Complaints Commission, working with Sir Joseph Pilling (former Permanent Secretary of the Northern Ireland Office) and the eminent historian, David Cannadine, to review the current arrangements. The National Archives will support the review, and the review team will put forward their proposals in the spring.

Read the terms of reference of the review.

Contribute your views

The review team has now launched the 30-year rule review website. You can contribute your views to the 30-year rule review until Friday 29 February 2008 by filling in the online questionnaire.

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