All sections of the National Archives Act, 1986, are now in operation. By 31 December 1990, departmental records which are more than 30 years old should in general either be transferred to the National Archives to be made available there to the public, or be covered by certificates made under section 8 (2) or 8 (4) of the Act authorising their retention in Departments.
The transfer of such a large quantity of records has meant that additional accommodation has had to be provided for the National Archives. Accordingly, the Government decided last year that premises at Bishop Street which are owned by the State should be allocated to the National Archives. The occupation of these premises by the National Archives commenced earlier this month. I am satisfied that the front block of the building at Bishop Street will meet the immediate need of the National Archives for accommodation for records due for transfer from Departments by 31 December 1990. I have been advised by the director of the National Archives that, with eventual restructuring, the building as a whole will meet the storage neds of the National Archives until well into the next century.
Over the past two years, Departments have been made fully aware of their obligations under the National Archives Act. The progress being made by Departments in preparing records for transfer is being monitored by the director of the National Archives and his staff on a continuing basis.
The director of the National Archives has recently sought information from all Departments concerning the measures which they propose to take to ensure that the deadline of 31 December 1990 for the transfer of records is met. The need for any further action in the matter by my Department will be considered in the light of the replies received by the director.