§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what plans he has to limit further the exemptions relating to the holding of information under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992; [15705]
(2) if he will appoint an independent commissioner in respect of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992; [15702]
(3) if he will require privatised utilities to comply with requests for information under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992; [15700]
(4) if he will make it his policy to create a list of relevant persons in respect of the Environmental Information Regulations 1992;[15701]
(5) what steps he plans to take to secure greater public access to information under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992. [15703]
6W
§ Angela EagleThe Government are committed to a policy of greater openness, including improving public access to environmental information. A Freedom of Information Act is a key pledge in our manifesto. Issues relating to access to environmental information under the Environmental Information Regulations 1992, are now being carefully considered in the context of that wider legislation. My right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster will be publishing a White Paper shortly.
We are determined that there should be no abuse of exemptions relating to the disclosure of information, and the nature of any exemptions is therefore being considered very carefully in the work on a Freedom of Information White Paper. Making any exemptions subject to a harm or public interest test is an option being considered.
As to establishing an independent commissioner, the Freedom of Information White Paper will set out the Government's proposals for an independent appeals procedure on freedom of information issues generally, including environmental information. The establishment of an Information Commissioner is being considered.
The option of listing bodies to ensure clarity about the coverage of freedom of information legislation, including the status of privatised utilities, is also being considered.