This paper charts the changes that have occured in the UK approach to public rights to information on major hazards (including the UK implementation of the "Seveso Directive) within the context of recent debate, and analyses the methods and justifications of confidentiality under earlier policy. Whilst more information is available to the public, marking a significant change of policy by government and industry, clear limits to openness still exist. Information disclosure has also principally taken place within a context of reassurance and directed communication, rather than through a more fundamental right of access to official documentation. -Author