Freedom of Information

HC Deb 20 January 2004 vol 416 cc1197-8W

Mr. Rosindell

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Department for Constitutional Affairs what recent steps the Department has taken to promote(a) freedom of information, (b) data protection and (c) human rights. [146674]

Mr. Lammy

Details of the steps taken to promote freedom of information in the last year are included in the annual report on bringing into force those provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 which are not yet fully in force. This was laid before both Houses on 27 November 2003 and copies have been placed in the Library. The Department has also produced a model action plan to assist public authorities in their preparations for implementation of the Freedom of Information Act which includes sections on raising awareness of freedom of information with staff, stakeholders and the public. Copies are available from the Department and its website.

The Department has regular meetings with the Information Commissioner, who has statutory responsibility for promoting the observance of the requirements of the Data Protection Act 1998 by data controllers and for disseminating information to the public about the operation of the Act. The Information Commissioner also has responsibility for the promotion of awareness and compliance with the Freedom of Information Act. Both the Commissioner and the Department keep under review the operation of the Data Protection Act and closely monitor and contribute to the development of international initiatives in the data protection field.

Officials at the Department have delivered eight awareness raising roadshows on human rights in the past year. The delivery of roadshows is on-going and with further dates already confirmed in Leeds and Oxford.

The Department maintains a dedicated human rights helpdesk to assist members of the public and produces publications including a detailed "Study Guide to the Human Rights Act 1998", a leaflet entitled "An introduction to the Human Rights Act," which is available in nine different languages, plus an audio tape and a copy of the study guide in braille. The officials are also in the process of commissioning CD- ROM guidance on the Act, a further edition of the study guide and special guidance for those with learning disabilities. The Department's human rights website attracts praise from a number of key stakeholders, and receive an average of 1,150 hits per week.

The Department provides assistance to the Institute for Global Ethics and Citizenship Foundation in delivering the Impetus Project—encouraging children across the UK to learn about human rights as part of their citizenship education.

I have written in my capacity as Minister for Human Rights to each Council Leader and Public Authority Chief Executive in England and Wales—enclosing a copy of an Audit Commission report on human rights. The Act can be a valuable tool for driving up standards of public service delivery.

I am keen to ensure that the Department takes advantage of every opportunity to speak on human rights.