Written question asked by Lord Goodhart (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Ashton of Upholland (Labour) on Wednesday, 19 April 2006.

Freedom of Information

Question: Whether, for the purposes of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, they will designate regional assemblies in England as public authorities.

Answer: We are currently evaluating the impact of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 on those public bodies covered by the legislation. This evaluation will inform consideration of how best to use the power contained in Section 5 of the Act, which provides for extension of coverage. However, it is the Government’s expectation that regional assemblies will comply with the sprit of the Act. In March 2006, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister reissued to regional assemblies Guidance on the General Principles of Designation of Voluntary Regional Assemblies, which stated the need to have regard to the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

Secondary information