§ Mr. RookerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the charging policy of his Department and the agencies for which he is responsible in respect of inquiries under the code of practice on access to government.
§ Sir John WheelerIn line with guidance on charging produced by the Office of Public Service and Science, which recognises the diversity of cost and operational structure across the range of bodies implementing the code, the Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Departments and agencies have developed the following schemes for charging for information under the code of practice on access to government information:
Department/Agency Scheme Agriculture First five hours free. Charges above that on ready reckoner basis. Economic Development including Training and Employment Agency First five hours free. In excess of five hours £20 per hour for the full number of hours taken. Education First five hours free. £20 per hour after that. Environment including Driver and Vehicle Testing Agency Requests costing under £100 free. Full additional cost after that. Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency Ordnance Survey of Northern Ireland Rate Collection Agency Finance and Personnel including Valuation and Lands Agency First five hours free. Charges above that will be determined by Accountant. Health and Social Services including Child Support Agency First five hours free; above that, marginal cost. Social Security Agency Northern Ireland Office including Compensation Agency First five hours free. £20 per hour or part thereof after that.