Open Public Services White Paper

Debate between Oliver Letwin and Duncan Hames

Monday 11th July 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Letwin]

My hon. Friend is absolutely right. The hospice movement provides an admirable example of much that is best about public service in our country, and we do, indeed, want to learn from it in many respects. We are, of course, trying to ensure that the method for funding the hospice movement always preserves its independence and ability to carry on providing the unbelievably good service it currently provides.

[Duncan Hames (Chippenham) (LD)]

I am glad to hear the Minister’s commitment to open data in improving public services, but he should beware of handing it over to organisations that treat public information as a commercial asset. Is he aware of the obstacles that Network Rail and train operators raise to thwart volunteers working with real-time train running data, despite their own dependence on public subsidy? Will he demand open access to that data, to promote service innovation?

[Mr Letwin]

Yes, it is our intention to open access to data and not simply to leave that as a proprietary matter. That is absolutely vital.