Application of Freedom of Information Act to Personal Accounts Delivery Authority

‘(1) The Freedom of Information Act 2000 (c. 36) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 35 (formulation of government policy etc.) insert after subsection (2)—

“(2A) Information held by or provided by the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority is not to be regarded—

(a) for the purposes of subsection (1)(a), as relating to the formulation or development of government policy, or

(b) for the purposes of subsection (1)(b), as relating to Ministerial communications.”

(3) In section 36 (prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs) insert after subsection (2)—

“(2A) Information held by or provided by the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority is not be to regarded—

(a) for the purposes of subsection (2)(a), as relating to the maintenance of the convention of the collective responsibility of Ministers of the Crown, or

(b) for the purposes of subsection (2)(b), as relating to the free and frank provision of advice, or the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation; or

(c) for the purposes of subsection (2)(c), as relating to the effective conduct of public affairs.”.’.—[Mr. Waterson.]

Brought up, and read the First time.

Motion made, and Question put, That the clause be read a Second time:—

The Committee divided: Ayes 5, Noes 10.

Division number 6 - 5 yes, 10 no

Voting yes: David Laws, John Penrose, Mark Pritchard, Andrew Selous, Nigel Waterson

Voting no: Adrian Bailey, Gordon Banks, Russell Brown, Mary Creagh, John Heppell, Meg Hillier, Sally Keeble, James Plaskitt, James Purnell, Angela Smith

Question accordingly negatived.