The Government has confirmed plans to publish the draft Freedom of Information Bill early next year for consultation.
Under new parliamentary procedures the Bill will be scrutinised in detail by the Public Administration Select Committee before being presented to Parliament.
Home Secretary Jack Straw, in response to questions from Liberal-Democrat Alan Beith, told MPs: “I hope that the whole House will recognise that, by having a draft Bill, we give the House a greater opportunity properly to scrutinise the legislation.”
“But, as I believe that he would acknowledge, a great deal of work remained to be done before the Bill could be put in proper draft order. That work is now being done.” Mr Straw added: “It think the possibility of its being introduced this Session is very limited indeed.”
The government still has to indicate when it plans to announce its decision on making price paid information public.
PLS News 03/12/98
