Vol. 440 No. 2
94 Mr. Gregory asked the Minister for Defence the number of documents withheld from the national archives by his Department since the National Archives Act; the reason documents were withheld; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Approximately 600,000 files over 30 years old have been deposited in Archives in accordance with the National Archives Act, 1986. It would not be possible to quantify the number of documents involved without an inordinate amount of staff time and effort.
The classification of other files is ongoing. To date no certificates under subsection 8(2) or subsection 8(4) of the National Archives Act, 1986 have been issued. It is likely that such certificates will be required in respect of certain files in due course.
In accordance with an order made under subsection 8(11) of the National Archives Act, personnel and pension case files and related records concerning individual civil and public servants are withheld.
