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:
relations within the United Kingdom (section 28);
criminal investigations and proceedings (section 30(1));
court records, etc (section 32);
audit functions (section 33);
formulation of government policy etc (section 35);
prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs (section 36);
communications with Her Majesty etc (section 37(1)(a));
legal professional privilege (section 42); and
commercial interests (section 43).
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.