FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Early day motion 845, tabled 6 February 2007 by Tony Wright (Labour). Signed by 139 members.

That this House expresses concern that the proposed new fees regulations under the Freedom of Information Act would allow authorities to refuse on cost grounds a high proportion of requests which they are currently required to answer; notes that the Government's consultation document recognises that this will have a greater impact on journalists, hon. Members, campaign groups and researchers than on private individuals; considers that such changes would undermine the Act's contribution to increased discussion of public affairs, accountability and trust in the work of public authorities; and calls on the Government not to proceed with the proposals.

Signatures by party: Labour 55, Liberal Democrat 45, Conservative 31, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 2, Social Democratic and Labour Party 2, Independent 1, UUP 1.