Restriction on disclosure of information
Public Audit (Wales) Bill [Lords]
3:15 pm
Mr Don Touhig (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Wales), Department for Constitutional Affairs; Islwyn, Labour/Co-operative)
Due to the discussions that we have had right from the beginning of consideration—through pre-legislative scrutiny to Second Reading—I have no doubt that clause 54 is the part of the Bill that will exercise a great deal of interest. What the Government seek to do through the amendments might help to assuage some fears that have been expressed about the clause's ability to prevent disclosure of information.
The Government have worked to achieve consistency in the treatment of section 49 of the Audit Commission Act 1998 and clause 54. The clause will apply the restriction on disclosure of information to value-for-money studies undertaken at the request of education bodies under proposed new section 145B of the Government of Wales Act 1998, which we touched on earlier. Studies in respect of such education bodies are not covered by section 49 of the Audit Commission Act and the amendments will bring the provisions into line. As the studies are at a body's request, the release of information will be governed by the normal laws of confidentiality and the terms of the agreement between the parties.