HL Deb 17 March 2005 vol 670 cc151-2WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What are their reasons for failing to give effect to the recommendation by the Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration that Ministers of the Crown should disclose their financial interests to the public; and [HL1384]

Whether it is in the interests of good public administration for details of the financial interests of Ministers of the Crown to be withheld from the public; and, if so, why they take this view. [HL1385]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The case in question was referred to the ombudsman under the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information prior to the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act in January 2005. In its response to the ombudsman, the Government made clear that they are currently considering a similar request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The Government said that they would send the ombudsman a full reply in the light of that consideration. The ombudsman decided it would not be appropriate to wait, and issued her report.