HC Deb 17 December 1997 vol 303 cc233-4W
13. Ms Julie Morgan

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will list the principal objectives of the Government's proposals on freedom of information. [19614]

Dr. David Clark

The objective of our proposals on freedom of information are to encourage more open and accountable government by establishing a general statutory right of access to official records and information.

21. Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Defence on his proposed freedom of information legislation. [19624]

Dr. David Clark

My right hon. Friend is a member of the Cabinet Committee which discussed extensively the proposals for freedom of information legislation now set out in our White Paper "Your Right to Know".

26. Mr. Mackinlay

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster if he will make a statement regarding the release of Government papers. [19629]

Dr. David Clark

The White Paper on Freedom of Information, "Your Right to Know", contains proposals for a Freedom of Information Act which would incorporate access rights to both current and historic records. For the present, Government records will continue to be released in accordance with the Public Records Acts 1958 and 1967.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster what plans he has to promote the Government's policy on freedom of information. [19615]

Dr. David Clark

I look forwared to a wide-ranging public debate on the proposals set out last week in the White Paper "Your Right to Know". As well as publishing the White Paper in print and on the internet, 40,000 copies of a leaflet explaining the main proposals are being distributed. The leaflet will also be available in seven minority languages, in large print, in Braille and on audio cassette.