HL Deb 29 January 2001 vol 621 c30WA
Lord Patten

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their policy towards the giving of factual information asked for by Lords in their Written Questions. [HL162]

The Minister of State, Cabinet Office (Lord Falconer of Thoroton)

Ministers should be open with Parliament and the public, refusing to provide information only when disclosure would not be in the public interest, which should be decided in accordance with relevant statute and the Government'sCode of Practice on Access to Government Information.