§ Mr. Matthew TaylorTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster for what reasons the responses and comments received from other Government departments to the White Paper on the Freedom of Information Bill "Your Right to Know" have not been made public; if he will place these responses and comments in the Library; and if he will make a statement. [53368]
503W
Dr. John CunninghamThe White Paper "Your Right to Know" invited public consultation and comment on collectively agreed government proposals. The responses to the consultation, as well as substantial background material relating to the proposals, have been published with copies placed in the Library of the House. Discussion within government since publication has concerned the detailed translation of the proposals into draft legislation. Internal policy discussion of this sort is protected from disclosure under Exemption 2 of the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.