Clause 48 - Permitted methods of publishing information under section 47
Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords]
3:00 pm
Mr Don Touhig (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales), Department for Constitutional Affairs; Islwyn, Labour/Co-operative)
Clause 48 sets out the way in which a relevant body is permitted to publish information required by a direction made under clause 47—by publication
''in a newspaper which is—
(a) printed for sale, and
(b) circulating in its area.''
Amendment No. 42 would enable a body to publish information on standards of performance electronically in a way that is accessible to its electors. It would also, however, give the body the option of using the electronic medium instead of a local newspaper, not simply as an additional means of communication.
Electronic communication through e-mail and the internet has made huge advances in recent years. However, there is still not universal access to the internet, and publication in a newspaper is still the most reliable way of making information available to electors. There is nothing in the Bill to prevent local government bodies from using electronic methods of publication in addition to the method of publication already permitted by the clause. That would not
require an amendment to the Bill.I am sympathetic to the aim of disseminating information as effectively as possible through the use of information technology, but at this stage, its use as the sole means of communication is premature.