The FOI request law is to look for documents and information. That information is held by government organisations which work on your behalf using money which you have paid to them. When that information is hidden, who knows what it does. when it is open we get a deeper insight into a world that is, sometimes, hidden behind closed doors (Or at least doors which are closed but have huge glass panes in them so you can see in… You get the idea of the metaphor…).
As many of you who have read this blog are aware, I love files. I love knowing what they hold and what they contain (For example, The Scottish Courts hold their files for 10 years) and what knowledge that they contain. As the old saying does “Government secrets are an anathema to democracy”. That being said some government organisation HAVE to keep things secret. Items about defence statuses, The Prime Minister's Schedule, and so forth. Eventually ALL things end up in the public domain.
Or do they? Well we already know that the ministry of defence hold files that are older than 1945 (Check my previous blog on that one and the reasons behind this.). What about other organisations however? I mean would the Special Air Service (SAS) or the Special Boat Service (SBS) every release their files for public scrutiny? You already know what coming don't you? LET'S ASK THEM!
An so, I asked the SAS and the SBS do they release their files to the national archive? Now the answer really surprised me. The answer is Yes… You heard me right the answer is YES!!! We can look at historical records of the SAS and SBS!!! How cool is that one!!! I think that is pretty cool myself.
The most interesting thing, however, is this little line buried in the text:
“However, some records may be withheld for longer under two provisions of the Public Records Act: they may be retained if still required within the Department for administrative purposes, or if there is a special reason, such as continuing sensitivity. Such retention by the owning Department requires a Statutory Instrument of approval. These were formerly known as Lord Chancel Instruments, but under a recent Government reorganisation, they will be approved by the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport.”
Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport… Are you thinking what I’m thinking?
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