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The Minister of State, Ministry of Justice (Mr. Michael Wills):
I have today laid before each House a revised copy of the Lord Chancellor's Code of Practice on the
management of records, issued under section 46 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000. I have also published a copy of the Government's response to the public consultation entitled "The Freedom of Information Act 2000: The designation of additional public authorities". Copies of this document are available in the Libraries of both Houses and also in the Vote Office and the Printed Paper Office.
These publications support the Government's plans to increase the accessibility of public information and promote the culture of openness and transparency in public life. On 10 June the Prime Minister committed to a reduction of the 30-year rule to 20-years in response to the 30 year rule review. The Government are considering carefully the practical details of implementing a new rule and aim to publish their full response in late summer.
Responses to the consultation entitled "The Freedom of Information Act 2000: The designation of additional public authorities" show considerable support for the principle of extending the coverage of the Act to additional organisations through a series of section 5 orders.
The response proposes an initial, focused section 5 order to be accompanied by action outside the Act to promote proactive publication-by voluntary adoption of the ICO's model publication scheme-and openness-by reminding public authorities and contractors of the existing guidance on access to information, which should inform contracting practices and responses to requests for information. The current list of bodies proposed for inclusion in this first section 5 order are:
Academy schools
Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO)
Financial Ombudsman Service
UCAS
These bodies will be consulted directly, and the Government aim to bring forward a section 5 order early in the 2009-10 session. The response also makes clear the Government's intention to engage with Network Rail and utility companies to consider whether section 5 or primary legislation might be appropriate means of including those bodies within the FOIA regime too.
FOI depends on good records and information management. This is recognised in the FOI Act by provision at section 46 for guidance to be issued in the form of a code of practice. The first code of practice was issued in November 2002, nearly seven years ago. Much has changed since then, not least the increased use of information technology to create, store, share and publish records and other information. These changes have made it necessary to update the guidance and today the Lord Chancellor is issuing a revised code of practice.
As well as addressing some of the challenges of digital records management, the revised code takes account of new ways of collaborative working. It also emphasises the business benefits of good records and information management and its relevance to data protection and other information legislation, as well as to freedom of information.
Leader of the House
State Opening
The Leader of the House of Commons (Ms Harriet Harman): Her Majesty the Queen will open the new Session of this Parliament on Wednesday 18 November 2009.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland Prison Service
The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Paul Goggins): I am pleased to announce that I am today publishing the Northern Ireland Prison Service annual report and accounts 2008-09. They combine the agency's annual performance report and agency resource accounts in a single document that provides a comprehensive overview of the prison service's financial and non-financial performance for the year. A copy has been placed in the Library of the House. It is also available online from the agency's website at: www.niprisonservice.gov.uk.
Prime Minister
Ministerial Gifts
The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): I have today published a list of gifts received and given by Ministers valued at more than £140 for the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009. Copies of the lists have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Ministerial Travel
The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): I have today published a list of all overseas visits undertaken by Ministers costing £500 or more during the period 1 April 2008 to 31 March 2009. The list provides details of the date, destination and purpose of all such visits and the cost of Ministers' travel and accommodation where appropriate. Total expenditure on Ministerial overseas visits for 2008-09 is £9.4 million. Copies of the list have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses.
Official and Charity Receptions: 10 Downing Street
The Prime Minister (Mr. Gordon Brown): I have today published a list of official and charity receptions held at 10 Downing Street for the financial year 2008-09.
The total cost of official receptions held at 10 Downing Street and Chequers for the financial year 2008-09 was £136,000. The costs of the charity receptions are funded by the charities involved.
| Date | Event | Numbers | Host |
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