Return of the Mac (Lean) - Unity’s FOIA request
A little less than two weeks ago, I picked up on a two-clause Private Member’s Bill introduced by Tory MP, David MacLean, which seeks to exempt MPs from the Freedom of Information Act.
MacLean’s stated ‘concern’ is that FOIA could be used to obtain MPs correspondence relating to casework undertaken on behalf of constituents as noted here by the Guardian, the only newspaper thus far to have noticed the Bill.
David Maclean, the former Tory chief whip, introduced the measure in a private member’s bill. Mr Maclean said yesterday the main reason for his bill was to prevent MPs’ letters on behalf of constituents being released to the press and public.
And being a curious sort, I naturally wondered whether Mr MacLean had discussed either the Bill or his concerns with the Information Commissioner, who is, after all, the senior public servant responsible for FOIA, so I got on the e-mail and sent him an FOIA request for this information…
1. What representations, if any, has David MacLean MP made to the Information Commissioner in regards to this proposed legislation, prior to its introduction to the House of Commons?
2. Has Mr MacLean, or another other Member of Parliament, consulted with or sought the advice of the Information Commissioner in the matter of the application of the Freedom of Information Act to MPs correspondence with Public Authorities and, if so, what guidance has been issued to them by the Information Commissioner, particularly in regard to applicability of existing exemptions in the Act to MP's correspondence?
Please enclose copies of any/all relevant correspondence relating to this inquiry
Which, today, yield this reply from the Information Commissioner’s Office.
I can advise you that the Information Commissioner does not hold any information relating to your request. The Information Commissioner received no approach from Mr MacLean or any other Member of Parliament in relation to this matter.
Now, there’s a surprise.
Posted by Unity on 08 Feb 2007 at 14:58 pm
on 10 Feb 2007 at 5:40 pm 1.Scrybe said …
Unity, I could do with your advice on a copyright/plagirism matter. Any chance you could swing by my blog and take a look at a post later tonight (once I’ve had time to put it up?). Thanks.
btw, I’m reading what I can - the downside of commuting taking up so much of my day is the limited time I have for reading through blogs anymore.