Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Simon Wright and Jonathan Djanogly

Tuesday 8th November 2011 Commons Chamber

[Simon Wright (Norwich South) (LD)]

3. What plans he has to increase the scope of the Freedom of Information Act 2000.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Jonathan Djanogly)]

This month we extended the Freedom of Information Act to a further three bodies—the Association of Chief Police Officers, the Financial Ombudsman Service and UCAS. Additionally, we intend to extend the Act to over 100 more organisations through the Protection of Freedoms Bill. We have also begun consultations with more than 200 further bodies about their possible inclusion. Next year we plan to consult 2,000 housing associations and the housing ombudsman.

[Simon Wright]

I thank the Minister for his response and for the progress made by his Department. As he knows, Network Rail is responsible for spending billions of pounds of public money each year. Will he ensure that that organisation is brought within the scope of the Freedom of Information Act?

[Mr Djanogly]

The Government are committed to making Network Rail more accountable to its customers, and believe that there is a strong case for its inclusion in the FOI.