The Government has been ordered to release the minutes of Cabinet meetings where military action against Iraq was discussed.

Information Commissioner Richard Thomas said the papers should be released because the discussions were of a grave and "controversial nature".

"He believes that disclosure of this information would allow the public to more fully understand this particular decision of the Cabinet," his spokesperson said.

The Cabinet Office has been given 35 days to release the minutes.

This decision follows a request under the Freedom of Information Act for a copy of Cabinet minutes and records relating to two meetings held between March 7 and 17, 2003.