Thursday, May 24, 2007

Bid to put off info time-wasters

Plans are due to be unveiled to deter "pointless and mischievous" requests under the Freedom of Information Act.
UK Information Commissioner Richard Thomas will say the act's reputation is being jeopardised by such inquiries.
He cites a request to the Foreign Office on the amount spent on Ferrero Rocher chocolate and one on eligible bachelors in the Hampshire police.
But he will stress that the act "reinforces good government" and should not be fought over.
More than 100,000 public bodies, including government departments, councils, the NHS, and universities, have been subject to potential FoI requests since 2005.
Preventing requests
In a keynote speech, the commissioner will say FoI should not be regarded as a threat even when it reveals information that is "embarrassing" or "uncomfortable".
He will urge public bodies them to adopt a positive approach to openness.

"After nearly two-and-a-half years FoI is delivering real benefits," Mr Thomas will say.
"There is a presumption of disclosure, unless there is a genuine reason to withhold information."

The commissioner is due to outline new guidelines, highlighting the right of public bodies to reject "vexatious" requests.
Some have been bombarded with inquires - the BBC, for example, has received more than 90 from one individual about the amount of expenses paid to senior staff.
"A charter for responsible FoI requests will help to prevent requests which have no serious purpose or value, impose disproportionate burdens or have the effect of harassing the public body," Mr Thomas will say.
The suggestion, however, is likely to prompt criticism from those already concerned at attempts by some MPs to restrict the scope of the act.

Source: BBC News

Editor Notes:
So it looks like the UK Government wants to limited what information is given out, One thing I want to know is what was "pointless and mischievous" request. There has been no examples, I do know that people are questioning the 7/7 Incident, could it be this? Which I don't think is "pointless and mischievous"

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