tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284911.post601427013202469608..comments2023-10-28T13:13:52.250+01:00Comments on UK Freedom of Information Blog: bloggerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12648604880789903629noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5284911.post-60255297975030581442007-01-18T15:17:00.000+00:002007-01-18T15:17:00.000+00:00Steve, Have you examined this bill ?
Freedom...Steve, Have you examined this bill ? <br /><br />Freedom of Information (Amendment) Act 2007 Bill 39 Second Reading 19th January. <br /><br />This bill has now ( 18th Jan) been published here - http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmbills/039/2007039.pdf <br /><br />The Bill appears to have two distinctly separate intentions -- <br /><br />1. To make all correspondence between MPs and public authorities “Exempt Information” by inserting a new (additional) Section 37A to Part II. - (The list of Exempt Information) viz - Sect 1 (3) of the Bill. <br /><br />2. To totally exempt the House of Commons and the House of Lords from the FOI Act, by removing both Houses from the list of public authorities subject to the Act. - Schedule 1 (Public Authorities ) Part 1 General - Paras 2 The House of Commons and Para 3 The House of Lords. Viz - Sect 1 (2) of the Bill – “…delete paragraphs 2 and 3.” <br /><br />I do understand both Houses are already exempt in respect of the provisions of Section 36 - “Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs.” Now, if I have misunderstood the intention of this bill please tell me so. I did ask Mr Maclean, but was merely referred to the bill as published, so I have to do my best with what I have got. I will refrain from more comment until this is clarified, but the second reading is on Friday 19th. If it passes, assuming I have not got this wrong, all FOI requests to both Houses of Parliament will then be rejected as being totally exempt under the Act. - Peter HOARPeter HOARhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13439765123798884842noreply@blogger.com