Post by Bob on Aug 4, 2011 9:02:39 GMT 1
The government says its plans to make more data publicly available will usher in a new era, dubbed "Freedom of Information 2.0".
Prisoners' sentences and GPs' prescribing habits will be among the information released.
Launching a consultation on the plans, Cabinet Minister Francis Maude said the government should be "open by default".
He said the plans "shouldn't cost much" and should be irreversible, ensuring that all future governments maintain a similar level of transparency.
He also insisted there would be no attempt to restrict access to information that embarrassed the government, adding: "That's part of life. That's the price we pay for transparency."
Prisoners' sentences and GPs' prescribing habits will be among the information released.
Launching a consultation on the plans, Cabinet Minister Francis Maude said the government should be "open by default".
He said the plans "shouldn't cost much" and should be irreversible, ensuring that all future governments maintain a similar level of transparency.
He also insisted there would be no attempt to restrict access to information that embarrassed the government, adding: "That's part of life. That's the price we pay for transparency."