Margaret Ritchie – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Defence

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Margaret Ritchie on 2015-11-17.

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on declassifying and transferring historical files relating to Northern Ireland held at Swadlincote to the National Archive under the 30-year rule.

Mark Lancaster

The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) policy for the capture, management and final disposal, including transfer to The National Archives, of the MOD’s records is detailed in Joint Service Publication 441-Defence Records Management Policy and Procedures. A copy of JSP 441 has been placed in the Library of the House. JSP 441 can also be found on the Gov.uk website:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/jsp-441-defence-records-management-policy-and-procedures–2

All files relating to Northern Ireland held at Swadlincote are assessed by the MOD and The National Archives officials for sensitivity and historic value. Those files deemed worthy of permanent preservation will be selected for transfer to The National Archives.