The Culture of Secrecy

The first comprehensive study of the history behind the restriction of official information in Britain since 1832 Provides the full historical context for current controversies over freedom of information Capitalises on media interest in the White Paper 'Your Right to Know:The Government's Proposals for a Freedom of Information Act', presented to parliament in December 1997 but controversially, not yet made law. This is the first, comprehensive study of secrecy in modern British history. Professor Vincent examines how and why secrets have been kept, and how systems of control have been constructed - and challenged - over the past hundred and sixty years. It is the only book to to place current controversies over freedom of information in the context of the development of the liberal state since 1832.