Farron speaks up in Freedom of Information debate

2.10.34pm GMT Thu 15th Feb 2007

Local MP, Tim Farron has today spoken in a Westminster Hall debate in parliament in protest at the government's proposals to make it more difficult to make freedom of information requests. The government's plans suggest a reduction of the level at which a Freedom of Information request can be denied on the grounds of cost, the level currently stands at £600 for request to Government departments. This will inevitably result in more and more requests being turned down.

In the debate, Mr Farron said:

"The Freedom of Information Act was watered down in the first place, but certainly a lot better than what we had before. The proposals would save a mere £12m per year, but it will severely curtail public access to information, but at the same time the government is prepared to spend 500 times that on an Orwellian ID cards scheme.

"These proposals present a threat to the relationship between the individual and the state. The government finds the Act irksome, embarrassing and dangerous, which is why they are seeking to water it down further still."