HL Deb 20 July 1995 vol 566 cc39-40WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they consider that the United Kingdom has given effect to Resolution (77)31 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, adopted on 28 September 1977, on the protection of the individual in relation to the acts of administrative authorities so that the United Kingdom is guided in law and administrative practice by the principles annexed to the resolution.

The Lord Chancellor

The United Kingdom has over a very long time developed a careful network of arrangements for ensuring fairness and good government which is wider and more flexible than the principles by which governments of member states are invited to be guided by the resolution, and which is continuing to develop.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps have been taken to give effect in the United Kingdom to Resolution (77)31 of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, adopted on 28 September 1977, on the protection of the individual in relation to the acts of administrative authorities recommending that, where an administrative act is of such a nature as adversely to affect his rights, liberties or interests, the person concerned should be informed of the reasons on which the decision is based.

The Lord Chancellor

The code of practice on access to government information commits departments to give reasons for administrative decisions to those affected, in accordance with well-established practice in Government, the Citizen's Charter principles of increased openness and a developing line of decisions by the courts.