PM and Chancellor on FOI

Tony Blair and Gordon Brown both commented on FOI yesterday. During the Opposition Day debate on pensions, Gordon Brown said:

"First, we introduced the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Secondly, I support it. Thirdly, I support the release of the papers. The debate has shown how the Act can give information, which people can dissect and then find Opposition policy completely wanting. Perhaps it is time to release the papers relating to the 1993 decisions. Doubtless, the shadow Chancellor has applied for that to happen."

Tony Blair referred to FOI when answering a question about trust during his monthly press conference:

"So the question for us is how do you then get this more sophisticated and profound dialogue about politics today and political issues, and it is very hard...you know we introduced the Freedom of Information Act. And you would think that people would be saying about the Freedom of Information Act, isn't it wonderful that the government has been so open, or whatever, but it has tended to be whatever. I think the basic problem, and my advice to whoever comes after me from whatever party, is be really careful of this business because I spent a lot of time setting up this notion that somehow by an Act of Parliament, or a new initiative, or a different type of engagement you could get this different dialogue which is the only way to encourage greater trust, and I think it is a lot tougher."