Open Government Code

HC Deb 16 January 1996 vol 269 cc506-7W

Dr. Wright

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what is the total cost to date of publicising(a) the citizens charters and (b) the open government code. [8557]

Mr. Willetts

To date, 40 main charters have been produced covering a wide range of public services. In addition, there are 8,000 local charters setting out the standards of service that users can expect. The cost of publicising charters is the responsibility of individual Departments and services. This information is not held centrally by my Department and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

The total cost to date of specifically publicising the open government code is approximately £183,000.

I gave additional details of the way in which the code has been publicised in my answer to the hon. Member on 9 January 1996, Official Report, column 121.