§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the charging policy of her Department and the agencies for which she is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to Government.
§ Mr. SackvilleNo charge has been made so far for requests under the code of practice. Where a charge is made, this will be currently based on the formula of one hour free and £20 per hour thereafter. People will be given an estimate before work begins. They can ask for this to be reviewed. They can also complain about charges to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration. We have aimed to strike a reasonable balance between the interests of taxpayers and the interests of people seeking information under the code of practice.
The Medical Devices Agency, NHS Estates and the NHS Pensions Agency have the same policy. The Medicines Control Agency is currently considering its arrangements for charging.