Freedom of Information Bill comes under criticism

Supporters of the Freedom of Information Bill yesterday launched a campaign to try and overhaul the proposed Act.

When the Bill was published on 24 May, the chief backers - an organisation called the Campaign for Freedom of Information (CFOI) - denounced it as disappointing, stating it was weaker than expected.

Now the supporters are calling on the government to rethink the Bill's provisions. The CFOI and Charter88 are criticising the ability of any organisation to withhold information on the grounds that the data could cause prejudice. Original draft versions stipulated "substantial harm" as a means test. The CFOI claims the change in wording seriously weakens the Bill.