New age of freedom of information has so far failed to materialise

New age of freedom of information has so far failed to materialise

Around 4,000 requests have been received across central government since the introduction of the Freedom of Information Act on 1 January. But according to the Independent, MPs and journalists have expressed frustration at the lack of positive responses to their requests: "Ministers' promises to usher in a new age of freedom of information have failed to materialise, with scores of requests to open the Government to public scrutiny being rejected. "

Of the 70 requests for information made so far by The Independent only 10 have been successful. Conservative party members have submitted 130 requests for information but have to date received only three holding replies.

Government attacked for 'hypocritical' attitude to Freedom of Information Act (The Independent, 2 February 2005)