Written question asked by Norman Baker (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 30 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 6 November 2002. It was answered by Michael Meacher (Labour) on Wednesday, 6 November 2002 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Dept for Environment Food and Rural Affairs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on what date she expects increased access to environmental information will be available under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and which (a) minister and (b) official in her Department has lead responsibility for this matter.

Answer: Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on what date she expects increased access to environmental information will be available under the Freedom of Information Act 2000; and which (a) minister and (b) official in her Department has lead responsibility for this matter [79029] Mr. Meacher: I have just completed public consultation on draft Environmental Information Regulations. Officials are now analysing the comments received. Before preparing a Statutory Instrument of the Regulations to place before Parliament we will also need to take into account developments in Brussels on the negotiations for a Draft Directive on Public Access to Environmental Information. The Regulations will not come into force until 2003 at the earliest. In answer to the specific questions, I can confirm that (a) I am the lead Minister and (b) the lead policy Division is Defra Sustainable Development Unit who can be contacted via the Defra website at: http:// www.defra.gov.uk/environment/pubaccess/index.htm

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 79029; 392 c329W;392 c348W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Access Disclosure of information Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Freedom of information Environment Information
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk