DCMS: Freedom of Information Act

HL Deb 17 December 2001 vol 630 cc26-7WA

Baroness Anelay of St Johns

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they have taken to ensure that the Department for Culture, Media and Sport has made adequate and appropriate preparations for the implementation of the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and whether the non-departmental public bodies which are accountable to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport have completed such preparations. [HL1881]

Baroness Blackstone

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is fully aware of its responsibilities under the forthcoming legislation, not only on its own account but also in respect of its sponsored bodies, and will ensure that all appropriate action is taken to prepare both the department and its NDPBs for implementation.

We wrote to our NDPBs in June 2001 to ensure they were aware of the then timetable and of the implications for them of the Act's provisions. We will continue to keep them informed to help them meet their obligations.