§ Llew SmithTo ask the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Constitutional Affairs, what assessment has been made of the current exemptions to the release of information contained in freedom of information legislation in light of recent terrorist incidents and threats. [166035]
§ Mr. LammyThe Freedom of Information Act 2000 balances the right to know with the proper conduct of effective government. Part II of the Act outlines classes of information that are exempt from disclosure for the purpose of safeguarding national security, defence and international relations. Information supplied by, or relating to, bodies dealing with security matters is also exempt.
The Government is satisfied that the provisions in Part II of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides a robust framework that gives people greater access to information, while ensuring that information necessary to protect national security is properly safeguarded.