HC Deb 10 January 1978 vol 941 cc721-2W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Minister for the Civil Service whether, in view of the Government's declared policy of more open government and the amendment of the Official Secrets Act, pending the introduction of such amending legislation, he will make available to hon. Members on request all public information on matters affecting Government, other than that dealing with State security and the privacy of the individual.

Mr. Charles R. Morris

In the context my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister, in the debate on the Gracious Speech on 24th November 1976, announced the Government's latest steps towards more open government. As my hon. Friend will know, Government Departments have been advised to publish as much factual and analytical material used as background to major policy issues as possible. They are also ready to respond positively and sympathetically to specific requests, both from hon. Members and others, for material of lesser importance.