Freedom of Information: Private Sector

House of Commons Written Answers
24 Apr 2008 : Column 2248W

Norman Baker: To ask the Secretary of State for Justice what progress he has made in his assessment of the desirability of extending the remit of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 to private companies deemed to be delivering public functions. [201309]

Mr. Straw: The Government received over 130 responses to its consultation on extending the coverage of the Freedom of Information Act to organisations exercising functions of a public nature. The consultation officially concluded on 1 February 2008 but a number of responses received up to a month later were accepted and are being taken into account.

The Government are continuing to analyse the responses and assess the desirability and implications of designating additional public authorities under the Act.