HC Deb 22 February 2000 vol 344 c870W
Mr. Llew Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent he intends that the Welsh Assembly will be empowered(a) to make decisions and (b) to implement regulations in respect of the release of information by local authorities that is at variance with guidance provided to English local authorities on information disclosure. [110646]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Freedom of Information Bill would apply to public authorities, including local authorities, in Wales in the same way as to those in England.

There are no provisions under the Bill for the Welsh Assembly to make regulations or issue guidance. There are no plans at present for regulations under, or guidance relating to the Freedom of Information Bill to be varied for different parts of the United Kingdom.