HC Deb 25 November 1996 vol 286 c2W
Mrs. Clwyd

To ask the Prime Minister (1) if he will make it his policy that the code of practice on Government information is legally enforceable; [6004]

(2) if he will introduce a freedom of information Act. [6005]

The Prime Minister

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's response to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration Select Committee's second report on open government, published on 7 November 1996. This makes it clear that the non-statutory approach taken by the code of practice on access to government information has proved an effective mechanism for ensuring greater openness.