MPs renew attacks on Freedom of Information

The Freedom of Information Act is under attack on two fronts.

Conservative MP David Maclean is attempting to push through a private member’s bill that would exempt politicians from the legislation, while the Department for Constitutional Affairs (DCA) is seeking to limit the time and money spent on servicing freedom of information requests.

According to Maclean, his bill seeks to protect the privacy of constituents writing to their MPs by exempting their correspondence from freedom of information inquiries.

However, the bill would also have the effect of curbing requests for information about issues such as MPs’ expenses claims.

Opponents of Maclean’s bill accuse the government of covertly supporting it to limit the operation of the Freedom of Information (FoI) Act.

Maclean’s bill was talked out once but could still receive another chance to pass onto the next stage on 18 May.

The bill failed on its first reading after opponents kept the debate going in the House of Commons until it was timed out. Lib Dem MP Norman Baker spoke for a total of two hours in the debate. A second reading was deferred.

Baker told IWR: “It is disgraceful that the Labour government that brought in freedom of information is seeking to water it down.

“Freedom of information is not in the bloodstream of this country. It was a long, hard struggle to get it.

“The white paper, which was very good, was watered down and clearly opposed by large sections of the government. It is seen as a nuisance, not as a benefit.

“The cost argument is spurious. The public would secure lower costs in the future and actually save money by requesting details of MPs’ expenses.

“It is a spurious attempt to water down further something that is embarrassing, and curtail the ability of those who know what they’re doing, such as journalists, to get information.”

The DCA consultation on amending the Freedom of Information Act was based on findings that a small percentage of requests placed disproportionate burdens on government, particularly in terms of officials’ time.

The DCA said that approximately 5% of central government requests cost more than £1,000 to meet. The white paper accordingly proposed to limit the cost of servicing freedom of information requests to £600.

The DCA has now extended the FoI consultation deadline to 21 June, giving campaigners fresh hope that the legislation will remain untouched.