§ 14. Mr. AmessTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what recent representations he has received on his Department's policies on open government. [30877]
§ Dr. David ClarkThis Government believe that open government is good government, in stark contrast to the record of the previous Administration.
With our proposals on Quangos and Freedom of Information, we are laying the foundations for a culture of proactive openness which will change the face of government.
My Department is also publishing more information as a matter of course, on issues such as how central Government are tackling the Millennium Bug.
§ 18. Mr. Nicholas WintertonTo ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement on his responsibilities in respect of the disseminating of information to the public about Government policy and activities, with particular reference to his open government initiative. [30882]
§ Dr. David ClarkMy responsibilities include Freedom of Information. I recently published the White Paper "Your Right to Know" setting out our proposals for688W a Freedom of Information Act, which includes a requirement on public authorities to publish information about their policies and activities.