§ Mr. MitchellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade if she will make a statement on the application of the Government's proposed open government measures on the accountancy regulatory structures sponsored by her Department. [31201]
§ Mr. Ian McCartneyThe purpose of a Freedom of Information Act, as proposed in the "Your Right to Know" White Paper (Cm 3818), is to establish a general statutory right of access to official records and information held by public authorities. The White Paper proposes that the Act will apply to a wide range of bodies including private organisations insofar as they carry out248W statutory functions. The proposals are at present under public consultation, and the closing date for responses is 28 February.