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Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats:Covering the constituencies of Twickenham and Richmond Park |
Heath quizzes Harman on MPs' expenses
January 22, 2009 5:37 PM
• [Jan 21]: ' . . IS it in order to proceed with a publication scheme that is expressly not in accordance with the judgment of the High Court?'
David Heath (Somerton & Frome, Liberal Democrat); Further to that point of order, Mr. Deputy Speaker. Obviously, many Opposition Members will greatly welcome the withdrawal of the statutory instrument on freedom of information. However, is it in order to proceed with a publication scheme that is expressly not in accordance with the judgment of the High Court?
Harriet Harman (Lord Privy Seal, House of Commons; Camberwell & Peckham, Labour); I will have to discuss with the Clerk of the House how the House authorities-the data holders-will proceed with the existing 180 Freedom of Information Act requests. I am not trying to stonewall on this, but I have not yet had a chance to speak to the Clerk of the House. I will do so, and we will debate this further tomorrow.
The Liberal Democrat spokesperson asked whether this obviates the need for a publication scheme for the generality of all Members of the House. The publication scheme will provide information to members of the public, without its having been requested, on all Members of the House every year. However freedom of information requests are dealt with, it is still important that as well as having tough rules and robust audit, we have a scheme to put in the public domain, without its having been asked for, information about what all Members are spending every year, and on what.
Alan Haselhurst (Deputy Speaker); Order. The House has now heard officially about a change of business for tomorrow, and we must move on.
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