HOME OFFICE
370/98 29 September 1998
GOVERNMENT SETS OUT PLANS FOR DRAFT BILL ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Home Secretary Jack Straw today announced further steps to implement
the Government's commitment to a Freedom of Information Act.
In a letter to the Chairman of the Public Administration Committee,
Mr Straw pledged that a draft Freedom Information Bill would be
published early in the New Year.
He also announced allocation of additional staff and resources for
work on the Bill and said that he would be holding discussions with
interested bodies and individuals about the measures over the next
few weeks.
Mr Straw emphasised the importance of Freedom of Information, and
welcomed the fact that its transfer to the Home Office meant the
policy could be developed alongside those on Human Rights and Data
Protection.
He said:
"This measure is a key part of our overall programme of
constitutional reform and, for that reason, it is vital that what we
propose is effective and workable.
"Having looked carefully at this issue, I have concluded there is
still a good deal of work to be done in translating the principles
set out in the White Paper into legislation.
"I have therefore increased the resources devoted to this task and
set in hand a programme of work which I intend will deliver a draft
Bill early in the New Year."
NOTE FOR EDITORS:
A copy of the letter can be obtained from the Home Office
Press Office.
HOME OFFICE
370/98 29 September 1998
GOVERNMENT SETS OUT PLANS FOR DRAFT BILL ON FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Home Secretary Jack Straw today announced further steps to implement
the Government's commitment to a Freedom of Information Act.
In a letter to the Chairman of the Public Administration Committee,
Mr Straw pledged that a draft Freedom Information Bill would be
published early in the New Year.
He also announced allocation of additional staff and resources for
work on the Bill and said that he would be holding discussions with
interested bodies and individuals about the measures over the next
few weeks.
Mr Straw emphasised the importance of Freedom of Information, and
welcomed the fact that its transfer to the Home Office meant the
policy could be developed alongside those on Human Rights and Data
Protection.
He said:
"This measure is a key part of our overall programme of
constitutional reform and, for that reason, it is vital that what we
propose is effective and workable.
"Having looked carefully at this issue, I have concluded there is
still a good deal of work to be done in translating the principles
set out in the White Paper into legislation.
"I have therefore increased the resources devoted to this task and
set in hand a programme of work which I intend will deliver a draft
Bill early in the New Year."
NOTE FOR EDITORS:
A copy of the letter can be obtained from the Home Office
Press Office.
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