Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 22 April 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 May 1998. It was answered by Lord Clark of Windermere (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 May 1998 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster

Question: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, In what ways his proposals for freedom of information will improve public accountability of departmental political advisers. Inc ref to Model contract for Special Advisers - in Lib. (Faile d OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Baker: To ask the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in what ways his proposals for freedom of information will improve public accountability of departmental political advisers. [39805] Dr. David Clark: Openness and access to information is the key to public accountability. This Government were the first to make clear in a public document the roles and responsibilities of Special Advisers. A copy of this document--the Model Contract for Special Advisers--is in the Library of the House. Departmental political advisers are covered by our proposals for opening up the work of Government through a Freedom of Information Act.

Secondary information