§ Lord Hanningfieldasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are confident that all government departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies will be able to meet the terms of the Freedom of Information Act by 1 January 2005. [HL366]
§ Baroness Ashton of UphollandDepartments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies have been conscientious in their efforts to prepare for implementation. In particular, good progress has been noted on staff training and awareness raising, administrative procedures for handling requests, publication schemes and records management.
DCA has led an extensive programme of work in overseeing implementation with central government. This has included the creation of a model action plan on FOI implementation and chairing the Freedom of Information Practitioners Group, through which advice and guidance has been disseminated throughout departments, agencies and non-departmental public bodies. DCA has also produced a comprehensive suite of guidance on the procedures and exemptions in the Act to ensure that a complex piece of legislation is consistently and appropriately applied.
I am confident that this substantial programme of work will enable public authorities to meet the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 by 1 January 2005.