MPs Have A Chance To Show They Are Serious About Freedom Of Information - Brake

1.18.10pm GMT Mon 11th Jun 2007

Liberal Democrat Local Government Spokesman Tom Brake MP is to press for tougher Freedom of Information (FOI) legislation tomorrow when he introduces a ten minute rule bill in Parliament.

The Freedom of Information (Amendment) (No 2) bill, which is also sponsored by key FOI campaigners Norman Baker MP and Simon Hughes MP, will seek to remove the veto which allows ministers to overrule the Information Commissioner and Information Tribunal. It will also introduce a time limit for responses to public interest FOI requests.

The Bill will also try to bring school academies and large private contractors working for public authorities within the scope of the FOI legislation.

Tom Brake said,

"This Bill will give MPs an opportunity to prove that, after the debacle of just a few weeks ago over David Maclean's Bill, we are serious about strengthening FOI legislation.

"Members must show that they will take a firm stand against any attempts to water down existing legislation."

ENDS

Notes to Editor

1. One recent FoI request saw a delay of 18 months for information relating to security lapses at Woodhill Prison, where Soham murderer Ian Huntley is held.

2. The total amount of revenue funding provided for 2005-06 to each of the 27 open school academies varied between £2.2 million and £8.7 million