Explanatory Notes

Freedom of Information Act 2000

2000 CHAPTER 36

30th November 2000

Commentary on Sections

Part VI: Historical records and records in Public Record Office or Public Record Office of Northern Ireland

Section 63: Removal of exemptions: historical records generally

201.The effect of this section is to disapply some of the exemptions in Part II of the Act in the case of information contained in a historical record, and therefore to extend the scope of the right of access in section 1 in these cases. The exemptions which are disapplied are those relating to:

202.In addition, the exemption relating to honours (section 37(1)(b)) is disapplied in respect of information contained in a record which is 60 years old, and the law enforcement exemption (section 31) is disapplied in respect of information contained in a record which is one hundred years old.