§ Mr. AllenTo ask the Secretary of State for National Heritage if his Department will review the need for a freedom of information Act when it decides to legislate to protect privacy.
§ Mr. DorrellThe Government's proposals on access to information held by public authorities were set out in the White Paper "Open Government" (Cm 2290), published in July 1993. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster has no present plans to review the need for a freedom of information Act. The Government's conclusions on protection of privacy will be set out in their response the National Heritage Committee's report on privacy and media intrusion.