Tony WrightTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what representations he has received from the Information Commissioner on a recommended timetable for implementing the Freedom of Information Act 2000. [16387]
§ Mr. WillsMy noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor invited the Information Commissioner to express her views on a timetable for the implementation of the Act, based on the practical implications for her office. She said that it would be sensible to implement the publication scheme and right of access provisions together on a phased timetable, largely following the structure of Schedule 1 to the Act. She also made it clear that it was for Government to decide on a timetable for implementation.
554WThe Government reached the view that it was right to implement the publication scheme provisions of the Act first as set out in the Schedule I have placed in the Library of the House.
The Information Commissioner has welcomed the announcement of a firm timetable for the implementation of the Act.