The Lib Dem MP Tom Brake yesterday introduced a Ten Minute Rule Bill to strengthen the Freedom of Information Act. The Bill would remove the ministerial veto; extend the time limit for prosecutions under section 77 of the Act for deliberately destroying or altering a record to prevent disclosure; limit the time allowed for public authorities to respond to requests involving consideration of the public interest; and extend the definition of public authorities to include publicly owned companies where 51% or more of the shares are owned by one or more public authorities, publicly funded "not for dividend" companies, and private contractors delivering high-value public sector contracts.
The Bill will now be printed and receive a second reading in the Commons on 12 November 2010.
Read the Hansard debate here.
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